So, what actually is muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of diseases that are generally genetically determined and cause gradual weakening of the individual's muscles. Most forms of MD occur in babies and children; however others appear in teenagers and adults.
There are over 100 types of MD! Some types include:
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Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
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Limb-girdle dystrophy
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Myotonic dystrophy
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Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), and
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Becker dystrophy
It is estimated that 1 out of every 625 people, approximately 30,000 people in Australia, has MD or a related neuromuscular condition.
MD is in most cases inherited from a parent and is caused by an error in certain genes. Children inherit two copies of each gene from their parents, in some cases of MD an error in one gene is enough to cause the disease but in others both genes need to have an error.
WHAT IS IT?
While some types of MD are hereditary, not all are. In approximately one third of DMD cases spontaneous mutation occurs where the genetic error arises in the affected boy himself. Spontaneous mutation also occurs in 10-30% of people with FSHD cases.
While there are currently no cures for muscular dystrophy diseases, there are several treatments being clinically trialled. But, an individual diagnosed with MD should see a range of health professionals to help maintain their health and quality of life.
For example a physiotherapist may provide exercises to maintain range of motion and strength in their limbs, help reduce any pain and address breathing difficulties. While an occupational therapist may provide equipment and strategies to assist the individual to be as independent as possible in the activities they want and need to do each day. Their assistance may help them in dressing, playing games with friends, completing school work or using a wheelchair.