Muscular Dystrophy Revised

Muscular Dystrophy
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Muscular Dystrophy
The condition refers to a collection of genetic disorders that slowly affects the muscles causing weakness and eventually lead to disability. The conditions are usually mild in the initial stages but worsen over time, on the onset a muscle group is affected but towards the end, the symptoms move to other muscles. It is not a life-threatening condition unless heart and lung muscles are affected CITATION Ara00 l 1033 (Arahata, 2000). There is no known cure for Muscular Dystrophy (MD), but the treatment involves the management of the symptoms to enable the patient to live a near normal life.
Etiology
In every healthy human body, there are genes whose sole function is the formation of proteins that prevent the destruction of muscle fiber. Due to defective genes, the muscles are susceptible to damage and as a result, MD occurs. MD is as a result of mutation of genes mostly as a result of hereditary factors CITATION Ara00 l 1033 (Arahata, 2000).
Symptoms
Initially, patients complain of frequent falls, weak facial muscles, and generalized muscle weakness, muscle cramps, difficulty in climbing, running and skipping. In some cases, they have a curved spine, eyelids droop, have problems swallowing and breathing. Blurred vision also features in some cases.
Diagnosis
To get a diagnosis of MD the doctor makes an investigation of the symptoms as presented by the patient. It is necessary to inquire about any family history of Muscular Dystrophy.

A physical examination of the involved muscle groups follows. The patient may also be required to present a blood sample to check for the presence of antibodies. In some cases, a piece of the patient’s muscle is extracted for a biopsy to test for the disorder.
Epidemiology
Muscular dystrophy affects all age groups and races. Both genders suffer from the disorder but the most common form of MD known as Duchenne mostly affects small boys because its cause is a defect in the X chromosome and since girls have two X chromosomes, then in case one fails then the other chromosome takes over. Since the condition is hereditary, it mostly affects people with a family history of MD.
Common Comorbidities
Even though there are more than thirty different variations of MD but all conditions have common comorbidities, and these include difficulty in movement and motor skills, heart and lung problems, pain and weakness in affected muscle groups and a curved spine column.
Treatment
Presently there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, but there is a double-pronged approach in the management of the condition. It is of paramount importance to slow the progress of the disease and control of the symptoms. These treatments involve the strengthening of the muscles and slowing deterioration of muscles using corticosteroids, drugs for a heart condition, surgery to correct on muscle shortening, cataract removal, cardiac problems, treatment of spinal column curve and assisted breathing in case of weak lungs. Occupational therapy is also used to improve muscle strength and motion coordination. Occupation and Client Factors Impacted by The Diagnosis Of MD
Because of the debilitating nature of muscular dystrophy, the quality of life of the patient and family members is negatively affected. The diagnosis heavily makes an impact on the daily living activities, body functions, body structures, motor skills, body structure, social participation, work, habits, routines, roles and rest and sleep.
Occupational Therapy Interventions Necessary in Muscular Dystrophy Cases
Due to limited mobility because of the condition a suitable wheelchair, crutches, and walker are recommended. Modification of the home and vehicle to make it disability friendly. Lastly, regular sessions to improve muscle tone and patient and primary caregiver education on the condition is important.

References
BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Arahata, K. (2000). Muscular dystrophy. Neuropathology, 20, 34-41.