Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic, hereditary muscle diseases that weaken the muscles that move the human body. Muscular dystrophies are characterised by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins and the death of muscle cells and tissue.

There are more than 100 diseases showing similarities to muscular dystrophy. Most types of MD are multi-system disorders that have a negative influence on body systems including the heart, gastrointestinal and nervous systems, endocrine glands, skin, eyes and other organs.

Symptoms

The following list of symptoms (or some of them) will be an indication of possible MD:

    • Progressive muscular wasting (weakness)
    • Poor balance
    • Frequent falls
    • Walking difficulty
    • Waddling gait
    • Calf pain
    • Limited range of movement
    • Respiratory difficulty
    • Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
    • Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
    • Inability to walk.

Few or none of these symptoms may be present before diagnosis. Some types of muscular dystrophy can affect the heart, causing cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias.

Treatment

There is no known cure for muscular dystrophy. Inactivity (such as bed-rest and even sitting for long periods) can worsen the disease. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and orthopaedic instruments (e.g. wheelchairs and standing frames) may be helpful. Corrective orthopaedic surgery may be needed to improve the quality of life in some cases.

The cardiac problems that occur in people suffering from Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and myotonic muscular dystrophy may require a pacemaker. The myotonia (delayed relaxation of a muscle after a strong contraction) occurring in myotonic muscular dystrophy may be treated with medications. Unfortunately no actual long-term treatment has been found.

Occupational therapy assists the individual suffering from MD in engaging in his/her activities of daily living (self-feeding, self-care activities, etc) and leisure activities at the most independent level possible. This may be achieved with the use of adaptive equipment or the utilisation of energy conservation techniques. Occupational therapy may implement changes to a person’s environment – at home or work – to increase the individual’s function and mobility.

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