Muscular DystrophyMuscular Dystrophy

By: Tami Scott

2013By: Tami Scott

2013

Muscular Dystrophy Facts

• Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that causes weakness in the muscles that allow your body to move.

• MD can be diagnosed via muscular biopsy.

• MD refers to a group of genetic or hereditary disorders that destroy the muscles

• MD varies from the age of onset, the muscles that initially attack and the rate of progression.

• Specific symptoms include: wasting of muscles, poor balance, pain in the calves, limited range of movement, joint contractures, and vision problems.

Individuals with MD do not produce Dystrophin

Individuals with MD do not produce Dystrophin

Dystrophin

• Dystrophin deficiency has been definitively established as one of the root causes of the general class of myopathies collectively referred to as muscular dystrophy. The large cytosolic protein was first identified in 1987 by Louis M. Kunkel, after the 1986 discovery of the mutated gene that causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

There are several types of Muscular

Dystrophy There are several types of Muscular

Dystrophy Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Becker muscular dystrophy

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Mytonic dystrophy

Congenital muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Becker muscular dystrophy

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Mytonic dystrophy

Congenital muscular dystrophy

Living with Duchenne’s

Duchenne’sDuchenne’s

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common type and is caused by a defect with the gene that makes a protein called dystrophin. Without the protein, the muscles break down and a person gradually becomes weaker.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common type and is caused by a defect with the gene that makes a protein called dystrophin. Without the protein, the muscles break down and a person gradually becomes weaker.

DMDDMDDMD affects boys and usually begins somewhere between ages 2-6. By age 10-12, kids often need to use a wheelchair. The heart may also be affected, so they need to be monitored closely by a cardio-pulmonary specialist. They can also develop curvature of the spine and tightness in their joints. Unfortunately, over time, the muscles that control their breathing become weaker and they may need a ventilator to breathe. People with this type of MD usually do not survive beyond their late teens or early adulthood.

DMD affects boys and usually begins somewhere between ages 2-6. By age 10-12, kids often need to use a wheelchair. The heart may also be affected, so they need to be monitored closely by a cardio-pulmonary specialist. They can also develop curvature of the spine and tightness in their joints. Unfortunately, over time, the muscles that control their breathing become weaker and they may need a ventilator to breathe. People with this type of MD usually do not survive beyond their late teens or early adulthood.

This graph shows the total number of publications written about “Mucsular Dystrophy, Duchenne” by year, and weather “Muscular Dystrophy,

Duchenne” was a major or minor topic of these publications. Publications written by people in UCS Profiles.

This graph shows the total number of publications written about “Mucsular Dystrophy, Duchenne” by year, and weather “Muscular Dystrophy,

Duchenne” was a major or minor topic of these publications. Publications written by people in UCS Profiles.

Links to Muscular Dystrophy Resources

http://profiles.ucsf.edu/display/349973

http;//mda.org/

www.helpful-health.com/diseases/muscular-dystrophy

ReferencesReferencesMickey Lieberman uses his diverse medical background and experience to research helpful health information on numerous diseases and illnesses and provides useful resources for over 100 different medical conditions.

Citation: Disabled World News (2009-02-27) - Muscular Dystrophy is not just one disease the term refers to a group of genetic or hereditary disorders that destroy the muscles:

A Life Worth Living!A Life Worth Living!

References