MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY BY ALBERT DIPPEL, ISAAC MOODIE, NYLEAH MORRIS-BROWN

DEFINITION Muscular dystrophy is a group of dieseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

SYMPTOMS The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Myotonic involves the difficulty to relax muscles. Facioscapulohumeral or (FSHD) involves muscle weakness typically beginning in the face and shoulders Congenital can become apparent as early as birth and can cause severe impairment. Limb-girdle victims will usually feel weakness in their hip and shoulders first. Girls can be carriers but are mildly affected 1/3 of boys don’t have family history of it

SYMPTOMS CONT. Appear between the ages of two and three They can be frequent falls difficulty getting up from the lying or sitting position Waddling gait Trouble running and jumping Walking on the toes Large calf muscles Muscle pain and stiffness Learning disability

CAUSES Muscular Dystrophy occurs when one of the genes involved in making genes that protect muscle cells is defective. Each form of the disease is caused by a specific genetic mutation that either occurs at birth or is inherited at birth.

RISK FACTORS Muscular Dystrophy occurs in both genders. The most common form of the disease occurs in young boys. People with a family history of the disease are more likely to be affected or pass it on to their young.

TREATMENT There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Corticosteroids can help strengthen muscles and delay the progression of the disease. Stretching can help keep muscles as flexible as possible. Exercise can help maintain strength, mobility, and general health. braces can help keep muscles stretched and tendons flexible