Muscular Dystrophy

Question 1

What is muscular dystrophy

Answer 1

A group of over 60 different inherited conditions, all cause muscle weakness which leads to disability

Question 2

What are the 3 most common types of muscular dystrophy

Answer 2

-duchenne md
-myotonic md
-facioscapulohumeral md

Question 3

What causes myotonic md

Answer 3

Caused by abnormal expansion of dna sequences, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner

Question 4

What causes duchenne md

Answer 4

a genetic mutation that leads to a lack of dystrophin, inherited in an x-linked recessive manner

Question 5

What does x linked recessive mean

Answer 5

The gene causing the problem is found on the X chromosome

Question 6

Why are males more likely to be effected by md

Answer 6

Because girls have 2 x genes so can be a carrier but not suffer from symptoms whereas boys only have 1 so if they are more likely to be symptomatic

Question 7

What are 5 generic symptoms of md

Answer 7

-muscle weakness
-pain and stiffness
-changes in mobility, difficulty walking
-difficulty in lifting things
-increased occurrence in falls

Question 8

How would md affect other body systems

Answer 8

Ms system- lack of strength and mobility
Cardiorespiratory - damage to heart and muscles supporting respiration
Nervous- vision/ cognitive impairment
Digestive- dysphagia

Question 9

How might medication help someone with md

Answer 9

Steroids improve muscle strength and function but have side effects with long term use

Question 10

How might physio therapy help someone with md

Answer 10

Maintaining flexibility, strength and joints to slow progression

Question 11

How might occupational therapy help someone with md

Answer 11

Aids at home to maintain quality of life

Question 12

How might surgery help someone with md

Answer 12

Fixing joints, cataracts, spinal fusion, tendon release, pacemaker fitting if needed