Muscular Dystrophy

• Muscular Dystrophy is a muscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and deformity
• Muscular Dystrophy

  Confined to wheelchair by: 8-10 years - Duchene type
• Muscular Dystrophy

  Death occurs by age 20 years in 75% of clients - Duchenne type
• Muscular Dystrophy Clinical Manifestations

  • Pelvic girdle weakness - the child waddles and falls
  • Gower's sign - uses hands to push up from the floor
  • Scoliosis - weakness of shoulder girdle
  • Contractures and hypertrophy of muscles
• Muscular Dystrophy Diagnostic Tests

  • Muscle biopsy - shows degeneration of muscle fibers and replacement of fibers with fat
  • EMG - shows decrease in amplitude and duration of potentials
  • Serum enzymes are elevated, especially CK - MM
• Muscular Dystrophy Management

  • Function: Keep at optimal level
  • Activity: Keep child as active and as independent as possible
  • Diet: AVOID obesity
  • Support child and parents; provide information on availability of community agencies and support groups.