Detailed Information on Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a inherited disorder that slowly weakens the body's muscles. It's caused by inaccurate or missing genetic information that prevents the body from making the proteins it needs to build and maintain healthy muscles. There are nine types of muscular dystrophies. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) affects older boys and young men. It is similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but is generally milder. Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is rare form present from birth. Symptoms usually progress slowly and include general weakness, flaccid tone, bent joints, and slow motor development.

Distal muscular dystrophy (DD) starts in middle age or later. Causes weakness in the muscles of the feet and hands. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects young boys. Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) affects adolescent boys. Causes muscle contractions in the calves; weakness in the calves, shoulders, and upper arms; and problems in the way electrical impulses travel through the heart to make it beat. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH) also known as Landouzy-Dejerine disease. It affects both males and females. Causes weakness in the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) begins in late childhood to early adulthood. It affects males and females. Myotonic dystrophy also called is Steinert's disease. People with this illness also have myotonia, the failure of the muscles to rest normally after use. Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) affects adults of both sexes. Causes weakness in the eye muscles and throat. Some forms of MD seem in babyhood or early days, while others may not appear until middle age or later. All forms of MD grow worse as the person's muscles get weaker. Most people with MD eventually lose the ability to walk.

There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Treatments comprise physical and speech therapy, surgery and medications. Orthopedic appliances (such as braces and wheelchairs), or corrective orthopedic surgery may assist to protect muscle function and prevent joint contractures as much as possible and improve quality of life. Steroids have been used to slow disease progression. Drug therapy includes corticosteroids to slow muscle degeneration, anticonvulsants to control seizures and some muscle activity, immunosuppressant to delay some damage to dying muscle cells, and antibiotics to fight respiratory infections.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for beauty blog. She also writes articles for new hairstyles and hairstyles blog.

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