Muscular Dystrophy Treatment

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic muscle disease that is hereditary. It weakens the muscles that move the human body and is characterised by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins and the gradual death of muscle cells and tissue.

So far, there are nine diseases that are classified as muscular dystrophy but in actual fact, there are more than a hundred diseases that have similar characteristics to it.

This disease was first discovered in the 1860s when boys were observed to become progressively weaker, lost the ability to walk and died at a fairly young age. French neurologist, Guillaume Duchenne gave a very comprehensive account of 13 boys who suffered from the most common and severe form of the disease. Over the years, it has been shown that more than one form of this disease exists and it can affect males of all ages.

Diagnosing people with this disease varies according to the type and progression of the disorder. Some cases tend to be mild and progress very slowly over a normal lifespan while others progress fairly rapidly with severe muscle weakness, functional disability, and the loss of the ability to walk. While the lifestyle will be affected, some are still able to carry on living. The most severe form of the disease usually occurs in children while adults suffer from the milder form.

To date, there is no known cure for the disease. Treatments that have proven helpful include:

1. Physical Therapy
2. Occupational Therapy
3. Orthotic Intervention
4. Speech Therapy
5. Orthopedic Instruments (e.g. wheelchairs and standing frames)

Living with this disease is possible by teaching the individual to engage in daily activities at the most independent level possible. This can be achieved with the use of adaptive equipment and the utilisation of energy conservation techniques. Other areas to address include psychosocial changes and cognitive decline. During therapy, support and education about muscular dystrophy is also provided to the family and individual.