1. Muscle Cells are Destroyed
Dystrophin is a protein in muscle cells that gives them strength and structure. In some forms of muscular dystrophy, the protein is dysfunctional, leading to partial muscle damage. The patient may experience mild muscular weakness. In other forms of muscular dystrophy, the protein is missing, and the muscles do not form properly or self-destruct. These patients will experience progressive muscle weakness and wasting.
2. It Can Be Diagnosed in Childhood
Early diagnosis of certain forms of muscular dystrophy can be made in childhood. The changes to the muscles in the legs often cause a delay or difficulties with learning to walk. The child may trip often while walking. As fatty deposits replace damaged muscle tissue, a parent may notice that her son's calf muscles look unusually large. Further diagnosis is made with blood and genetic testing.
3. Progressing Symptoms
Muscular dystrophy often affects muscles in the trunk, arms, and legs. At a young age, a child may walk clumsily. He may show weakness with overhead activities, such as throwing a ball. Over time, the muscles the spine will weaken to the point where supporting themselves to walk is too difficult, and he will have to use a wheelchair.
4. Treatments Can Help the Symptoms
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic therapy can help keep joints mobile and help ease contracted muscles. Assistive devices, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and braces, help with activities of daily living.
5. Prognosis
In certain forms of muscular dystrophy, progressive weakness occurs through adolescence, and the person may only live into their early twenties. Other forms develop during adolescence or early adulthood. Their symptoms are milder, and their life-expectancy is relatively normal.
