1. By: Kelli Novak & Katelyn Thompson
Muscular Dystrophy
By: Kelli Novak & Katelyn Thompson

2. What is it?
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.
Can begin at any stages but mostly childhood, primarily in boys.

3. Types of Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Half of the people have this variety
1/3 of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy don’t have family history of the disease. The gene involved may be subjected to sudden abnormal change (spontaneous mutation).
Signs and symptoms typically appear between ages 2 and 3
Frequent falls
Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position
Trouble running or jumping
Walking on the toes

4. Types of Muscular Dystrophy cont.
Becker muscular dystrophy
Signs and symptoms are similar to those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, typically milder and progress more slowly.
Symptoms generally begin in the teens but may not occur until the mid-20’s or later

5. Cont.
Myotonic also known as Steinert’s disease, is characterized by an inability to relax muscles at will following contractions.
Most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy.
Facial and neck muscles are usually the first to be affected.
Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD)- Muscle weakness begins in the face and shoulders.
Shoulder blades might stick out like wings when a person with FSHD raises his or her arms.
Onset usually occurs in the teenage years but may begin in childhood or as late as age 40

6. Cont.
Congenital- Affects boys and girls as is apparent at birth before age 3.
Some forms progress slowely and cause only mild disability, while others progress rapidly and cause severe impairment.
Limb-girdle- Hip and shoulder muscles are usually first affected
May have difficulty lifting the front part of their foot, so they may trip frequently.
Onset usually begins in childhood or the teenage years.

7. Prognosis?
Varies according to the type of progression of the disorder.
Some cases may be mild and progress very slowly over a normal lifespan.
Some severe muscle weakness can have a functional disability, and loss of the ability to walk.
Some children with MD die in infancy while others live into adulthood with only moderate disability.

8. Progression for MD Physical symptoms present during primary school.
Early Phase 5-6 years- Students may display some of the following symptoms
Slow moving, difficulty running and climbing steps
Falling over frequently
Poor balance
Becoming tired in the afternoon, and changes in strength during the week
Enlarged calf muscles
Difficulty participating in PE and other physical activities
Weak grip

9. Cont. Transitional phase 6-12 years of age
Walking may become more limited-boys make transition to a wheelchair at the end of this stage
Upper body strength declines
Trouble keeping up with writing due to decline in skills such as handwriting and grasping
Secondary phase- Immobility years
Significant loss of skeletal muscle strength due to further progression of weakness
Student will most likely be in a wheelchair to help them move around classes
Will become easily fatigues and tired
Require assistance performing activities that involve their arms and legs

10. Cont. Adult Stage 15-25 + years
Tasks that require writing becomes more difficult
Respiratory and possible heart complications
More visits to the hospital, resulting in frequent absences
Ventilation at least overnight is often required
Assistance with drinking and eating

11. Treatment?
There is no specific treatment to stop or reverse any form of MD. Treatment may include:
Physical therapy
Respiratory therapy
Speech therapy
Orthopedic to slow muscle degeneration
Anticonvulsants to control seizures and some muscle activity
Immunosuppressant's to delay some damage to dying muscle cells
Antibiotics to fight respiratory infections

12. In the classroom Accommodations for writing in class
Note taker, tape recorder, laptop
Pencil grips or thicker pencils
Make sure the desks or work stations are raised to the child's height
Allow extra time in between class or assign them a buddy to carry their books
Bryan Arnold’s Story

13. Organization
MDA- Flighting Muscle Disease

14. References
conditions/muscular-dystrophy/basics/definition/con
e%20MD%20primary%20manual.pdf