Facts About Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of genetic, hereditary diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. The many diseases grouped under this category cause symptoms such as progressive muscular wasting (weakness), poor balance, frequent falls, walking difficulty, waddling gait, calf pain, limited range of movement, muscle contractures, respiratory difficulty, drooping eyelids, scoliosis and the inability to walk. These symptoms can show up from infancy to middle age depending on the specific disease.

Muscular dystrophy doesn't have a cure. It is beneficial to lead an active life as this will strengthen the muscles and help prevent weakening. Although there are no cures certain devices have been known to help those with the disease. These devices include wheelchairs, braces, and surgically implanted braces. Quinine, phenytoin, and mexelitine are all used to help treat muscular dystrophy (help relax muscles after contractions) but none of these drugs work in the long term.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease and cannot be prevented. It can be slowed by leading an active life and doing physical therapy. Muscular dystrophy also has been found to cause behaviour problems young boys, probably due to the stress they are under.

Although no psychological effects have been proven (other than behaviour problems) those afflicted with this disease feel different, are more stressed than those without the disease, are more likely to become depressed, and feel like they aren't worth as much as others.

Muscular dystrophy is a tragic disease that is seen often. Can you imagine never being able to run, play sports, or even walk correctly? If you know someone with this disease they need to be encouraged and made to feel valuable. Next time you see someone with muscular dystrophy say something positive to them and help make their day.