Muscular dystrophy is an umbrella term to refer to a group of diseases that cause loss of muscle mass and progressive weakness. Abnormal gene mutations interfere with the proteins required for the formation of healthy muscles and cause muscular dystrophy.
There are many kinds of muscular dystrophy, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, Myotonic dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophy, and limb-girdle dystrophy. The symptoms depend on the type of dystrophy and are visible at different ages, depending on the muscles affected by the disease. The disease can be diagnosed by a series of tests such as physical examination, enzyme tests, electromyography, genetic testing, muscle biopsy, and heart and lung- monitoring tests.
Treatment for muscular dystrophy
The disease cannot be cured, but treatment and medication can help the patients manage their symptoms in a better manner and slow the progress of the disease. Timely treatment aids patients with muscular dystrophy to reduce problems in the spine and joints and helps them to be mobile for an extended period.
The treatment depends on the type of muscular dystrophy and the symptoms shown in the patient. Some treatment options for the disease are medication, physical and occupational therapy, surgery and respiratory care.
Medications
- Eteplirsen is the first medication for muscular dystrophy that is approved by the FDA. This medicine is effective to treat patients suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The medicine is not a cure for the disease, but it helps to improve muscle strength.
- Corticosteroids are used to delay the progression of the disease and increase muscle strength. But these medicines cannot be used for a prolonged time as they cause weight gain and weaken the bones.
- Certain types of muscular dystrophy damage the heart. Such patients are prescribed to use beta blockers and other forms of heart medications.
- Patients can also use medications such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics.
Therapy
There are several types of therapies and assistive devices that help patients with muscular dystrophy improve the quality of their life and maintain mobility.
- Range-of-motion exercises to enhance the flexibility of the joints.
- Low impact exercises such as walking, swimming and some types of strengthening exercises can help increase the strength of the muscles, improve mobility and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Braces are used to stretch the tendons and muscles and maintain the mobility of the patient.
- Mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, and canes help patients with muscular dystrophy remain mobile and independent.
- Patients in the advanced stage of the disease must use respiratory aids, such as breathing assistance devices and ventilator.
Surgery
- Doctors may opt for surgery to treat certain conditions, such as spinal curvature which causes difficulty to breathe.
- Tracheostomy is a type of surgery that helps the patient take in oxygen with the help of a tube inserted into the windpipe.
- Gastrostomy is a surgery that is conducted to implant a feeding tube directly into the stomach to help the patient get sufficient nutrition.
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease that has no cure. Apart from the treatment options such as medication, therapy, and surgery, patients with muscular dystrophy can join support groups that help them cope with the condition.
