Muscular Dystrophy By: Jamie Wallace

What is it? Muscular dystrophy is a group of several genetic diseases which make the fibers of the muscles uncommonly vulnerable to damage, and the affected person cannot produce dystrophin. There are several types of MD, the most popular being Duchenne MD is hereditary, passed along on the X chromosome MD affects 1 in every 3,500 males

Nathan Jefferson Nathan is a 5 year old boy who has lived in central New York his whole life. His mothers side of the family has had a history with Muscular Dystrophy, however his fathers has not.

Nathans Symptoms Frequent falling Trouble getting up Difficulty running and jumping Waddling gait Large calf muscles Suspected learning disabilities

Parts of the brain affected by MD Cerebellum Cortex Hippocampus

Diagnosis for MD Clinical exam Electromyography or nerve conduction tests CPK(creatine kinase) level Genetic testing Muscle biopsy The histologic picture is that of muscular dystrophy and typically with small clusters of necrotic fibers found at the periphery of the muscle fascicle.

Treatment There is no cure for Muscular Dystrophy, however there is medication and therapy that can slow the progression of the disease Corticosteroids are used to slow muscle degeneration, and anticonvulsants to control seizures and antibiotics treat the respiratory infections. One off label medication Dantrolene relaxes the muscle and eases pain.

Prognosis Depending on the type and severity of the disease, the prognosis can differ from a slow progression over a lifetime to a lifespan shortening, crippling disease.

Occupations Physical therapist: Physical Therapy requires a graduate degree in physical therapy. Most programs have a pre-requisite of Bachelors degree to enter. Their job duties include exercises and therapies to improve their patients movement and manage their pain. This helps patients with MD by slowing the progression of their disease and helping to make them comfortable. Respiratory therapist: Respiratory therapists must have a minimum of an Associates degree, however some employers require a Bachelors degree. Their job duty is to help patients such as those with MD to breathe.

Citations "Muscular Dystrophy." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation, 18 Jan. 2012. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/basics/symptoms/con-20021240>. "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy." MedlinePlus. ADAM Health Solutions. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000705.htm>.