1. Muscular Dystrophy
By: Jamie Wallace

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. Parts of the brain affected by MD
Cerebellum
Cortex
Hippocampus

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Citations
"Muscular Dystrophy." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation, 18 Jan Web. 9 Nov <
"Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy." MedlinePlus. ADAM Health Solutions. Web. 9 Nov <