What are the Symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a disorder that affects the skeletal muscles in the body. The early symptoms are:
- Delayed walking
- Difficulty while jogging, climbing stairs and getting up.
- Shortness of breath
- Pseudohypertrophy of calf muscles.
- The poor balance increases the likelihood of falling.
- Walking on the toes is a result of tightness in the tendons of the leg and foot.
- Muscle degeneration in Duchenne is not associated with discomfort, although muscle rigidity and cramping can be painful.
- As a result of muscle weakness in the legs, children with Duchenne commonly use the Gower manoeuvre to stand from the floor.
- Individuals may push off the floor with their hands and then 'walk' their hands up their legs.
When to see a doctor?
Consult the doctor if the symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy are suspected.
What are the Risk Factors of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
DMD being in the family history is a risk factor. A person can carry the condition silently, meaning that a family member might have a copy of the faulty gene yet not get DMD. The gene can sometimes be passed down for generations before affecting a kid.
What are the Complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Common complications in patients with DMD include:
Cardiac:
Orthopaedic problems:
Pulmonary:
- Pulmonary infections
- Respiratory insufficiency with decreased total lung capacity, decreased residual lung volume
Steroid treatment problems:
- Behavioral changes
- Cushingoid appearance
- Bone demineralization
- Hirsutism
- Growth suppression
- Weight gain
Miscellaneous
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation
- Mental retardation
- Renal stones secondary to bone demineralization
What are the Preventions for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
DMD cannot be prevented since it is inherited from the mother. Geneticists are investigating technologies that may be able to prevent the defect from being passed down, but no viable remedy has been developed. Before conception, genetic testing can establish whether a couple is at a higher risk of having children with DMD.
What are the diagnoses for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Regular medical examinations may detect symptoms of muscular dystrophy.
- Blood testing:
These include genetic blood tests, showing the gene mutation causing lack of dystrophin in around two-thirds of males with DMD.
- Muscle biopsy:
A small sample of muscle tissue examined under a microscope can determine the diagnosis in children with clinical evidence of DMD.
- Electromyogram (EMG):
Electromyogram (EMG): This test determines whether the child's muscular weakness is due to muscle tissue degeneration or than nerve injury.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):
A genetics counselor examines the risk factor of this neuromuscular disorder within each family and advises genetic testing for various family members, including the affected kid, and perhaps carrier testing for the mother.
What is the Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
DMD treatment aims to minimize symptoms and keep the kid healthy. While there is currently no cure for this disorder, experts are working worldwide on medicines that might significantly improve neuromuscular disorders.
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: The kid will need help from a skilled physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is essential for keeping the kid active, healthy, and comfortable. The physiotherapist may design a regimen that includes active and passive stretching, aided stretching, and muscular elongation exercises. Splinting, orthotics and standing devices can also assist the child in being active for extended periods.
- Regular medical care: A neurologist, orthopaedics or paediatrician will examine the child's strength and general physical well-being, check for scoliosis, and monitor the child's breathing and heart function. Surgery can assist with back and foot issues.
- Medications: Many drugs have been used to treat DMD. Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, may slow down the progression in children with DMD. The neurologist may prescribe steroids proven only to slow down the progression. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are newer drugs approved for DMD.
Dos and Don’ts
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare hereditary disorder that causes muscle weakness in children.
It commonly develops in young children between the ages of 2 and 5. It causes muscle atrophy, which worsens over time. Most DMD boys use a wheelchair by the time they reach adolescence.
DMD has no cure; however, the dos and don'ts listed below can help manage the condition.
Precautions and self-care will help you fight this condition positively and improve your quality of life.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the best team of neurologists, paediatricians, orthopaedics and muscular dystrophy specialists working together to provide the most effective Duchenne muscular dystrophy disease treatment and care. Our highly qualified staff treats a variety of neuromuscular diseases using the most up-to-date medical technologies. We use a multidisciplinary approach to treat muscular dystrophy and take care of all their medical needs to improve their quality of life.
