Down syndrome/Muscular dystrophy

Question 1

Common impairments of children w/ Downs syndrome

Answer 1

hypotonia
decreased force generation of musces
congenital heart defects
visual/hearing loss
AA subluxation/dislocation

Question 2

When pt w/ downs syndrome has decline in strength, ROM, DTRs, sensation in extremities, what is occurring?

Answer 2

MEDICAL EMERGENCY!

AA subluxation/dislocation

Question 3

Things to avoid w/ pt w/ downs syndrome

Answer 3

hyperextension of elbows/knees w/ weightbearing

forceful neck flexion/rotation

Question 4

Muscular dystrophy

Answer 4

progressive muscle weakness from proximal to distal beginning at age 3 to death in late adolesecnce or early adulthood

Question 5

What is a positive gower’s sign?

Answer 5

maneuver for children w/ muscular dystrophy to get to standing
due to weak quads/gluts

Question 6

Difference w/ muscular dystrophy and down’s on ambulation

Answer 6

Down’s syndrome - all will eventually be ambulatory

MD - all eventually need w/c

Question 7

Important considerations for PT w/ children w/ MD

Answer 7

do not exercise at max level - may injure muscle

Question 8

Medical management for MD

Answer 8

steroids increase life expectancy
antibiotics for pulm infections
Orthopedic surgery for scoliosis, muscle lengthening gastroc