Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease, which is characterized by muscle weakness that worsens quickly overtime. This type of muscular dystrophy usually affects boys. The symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy are often observed before age six and may include:

• Learning problems – IQ below 75
• Intellectual disability
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Problems with motor skill development
• Falling more often
• Having trouble getting up from the floor or climbing stairs

As the condition progresses, the child experiences increased difficulty in walking. Eventually the ability to walk may be lost by the age of twelve, necessitating use of a wheelchair.

Electromyography (test for checking the health of muscles and nerves), blood tests, genetic test and muscle biopsies may be ordered by your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As there is no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment involves controlling symptoms, improving quality of life and extending life expectancy. Your child’s doctor may administer steroid injections to slow down the deterioration of muscle strength. Activity and physical therapy are recommended to maintain strength and functioning of muscles.Other treatments may include assisted ventilation, physical aids such as braces and wheelchairs to improve mobility and medications to help the heart function.