The muscular system is composed of contractile tissues that allow the body to move. Sometimes, an underlying medical problem can lead the body to actually attack the muscles. In some cases, infection, viruses or parasites can lead to muscle problems. Fortunately, the diseases of the muscular system can be managed in certain ways.
Myasthenia Gravis
MedlinePlus says that myasthenia gravis is a type of disorder in which the body launches an attack against the muscles and nerves. MedlinePlus says that specific symptoms of myasthenia gravis include facial paralysis, trouble breathing due to weak respiratory muscles, fatigue and a changing voice. Other symptoms of myasthenia gravis include trouble talking, a drooping head, drooling and choking. In some instances, this disease can also lead to double vision, a drooping eyelid and trouble climbing stairs.
The exact cause for myasthenia gravis is unknown, but it may be due to the body attacking the nerve cells that control the muscles in the body.
Treating myasthenia gravis involves taking such medications as pyridostigmine, neostigmine or prednisone to help manage the symptoms. Plasmaphoresis, a technique in which the blood is filtered of antibodies (proteins that are supposed to attack foreign substances), is also a way to manage myasthenia gravis. Sometimes, surgery is also necessary to help manage myasthenia gravis.
Muscular Dystrophy
The Mayo Clinic says that muscular dystrophy is a type of disorder in which the muscle fibers become prone to damage. It says that symptoms include muscle weakness, a lack of coordination and crippling of the muscles around the joints.
In fact, numerous types of muscular dystrophies exist. Some of them include Duchenne's, myotonic and Becker's muscular dystrophy. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is the most severe form of muscular dystrophy, and its symptoms include a waddling gait, frequent falls, mental retardation and trouble getting up from sitting.
Becker's muscular dystrophy is milder and can appear as early as 11 years old. It presents just like Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.
Myotonic dystrophy results in stiff muscles, fainting, dizziness and weakened muscles.
Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder, and treating it involves physical therapy and taking medications such as mexiletine, phenytoin or baclofen to manage the muscle stiffness, spasms and weakness. Using supportive devices, such as braces, and surgery to remove any muscle constrictions can also help treat muscular dystrophy.
Dermatomyositis
The Mayo Clinic says that dermatomyositis refers to an inflammatory disorder associated with such symptoms as muscle weakness and a skin rash. The rash is red or violet in color and can appear on the eyelids, face, elbows, knees, chest or back. The disease can also lead to trouble swallowing, muscle pain, weight loss, fatigue, lung problems and gastrointestinal ulcers. Dermatomyositis is typically due to viruses, bacteria or infections that affect the muscles.
Treating dermatomyositis includes taking such drugs as corticosteroids, methotrexate, over-the-counter pain relievers, antimalarial drugs, intravenous immunoglobulin and tacrolimus. Physical or speech therapy and surgery may be needed to manage dermatomyositis.
