Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles that help the body to move. Muscular dystrophies are characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins, and the death of muscle cells and tissue. People with MD have incorrect or missing information in their genes, which prevents them from making the proteins they need for healthy muscles.
MD weakens muscles over time, so children, teens, and adults who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do the things most people take for granted, like walking or sitting up. Someone with MD might start having muscle problems as a baby or the symptoms might start later. Some people even develop MD as adults.
CAUSES OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
It is an inherited disorder, means it is passed down through generations in a family. Many cases occur from spontaneous mutation, which is not found in genes of either of the parent, and this defect can be passed to next generation.
TYPES OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
There are a number of muscular dystrophy variants, including the following:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: the most common form of the illness. Symptoms normally start before a child’s third birthday; they are generally wheelchair-bound by 12 and die of respiratory failure by their early-to-mid-twenties
Becker muscular dystrophy: similar symptoms to Duchenne but with a later onset and slower progression
Myotonic (Steinert’s disease): the myotonic form is the most common adult-onset form. It is characterized by an inability to relax a muscle once it has contracted. The muscles of the face and neck are often affected first. Symptoms also include cataracts, sleepiness and arrhythmia
Congenital: this variant can be obvious from birth or before the age of 2. It affects girls and boys. Some forms progress slowly whereas others can move swiftly and cause significant impairment
Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD): onset can be at almost any age but is most commonly seen during teenage years. The muscular weakness often begins in the face and shoulders. People with FSHD may sleep with their eyes slightly open and have trouble fully closing their eyelids. When an individual with FSHD raises their arms, their shoulder blades protrude like wings
Limb-girdle: this variant begins in childhood or teenage years and first affects the shoulder and hip muscles. Individuals with the limb-girdle muscular dystrophy might have trouble raising the front part of the foot, making tripping a common problem.
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy: onset is between the ages of 40 and 70. Eyelids, throat and face are first affected, followed by the shoulder and pelvis.
SYMPTOMS OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
INITIAL SYMPTOMS
A waddling gait
Pain and stiffness in the muscles
Difficulty with running and jumping
Walking on toes
Particularly large calf muscles
Difficulty sitting up or standing
Learning disabilities, such as developing speech later than usual
Frequent falls.
LATER SYMPTOMS
Inability to walk
A shortening of muscles and tendons, further limiting movement
Breathing problems can become so severe that assisted breathing is necessary
Curvature of the spine can be caused if muscles are not strong enough to support its structure
The muscles of the heart can be weakened, leading to cardiac problems
Difficulty swallowing; this can cause aspiration pneumonia and a feeding tube is sometimes necessary.
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT
Homoeopathy is very effective in treating muscular dystrophy. Homoeopathic treatment helps to slow down the process of muscular degeneration, and can work on bringing some symptomatic relief, such as improving muscle power. It is aimed at better quality life. Treatment for Muscular Dystrophy involves a detailed pre-treatment interview with the patient and the close relatives of the patient. Case study helps to find the mental, physical and genetic makeup of the patient and thereby correct medicine peculiar to the patient is found out. Homoeopathic medicines help to reduce the muscle weakness and control the disease progression