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Muscular dystrophy
(MD)
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CHILDREN'S HEALTH
Birth Defects Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of rare
inherited muscle diseases in which muscle fibers are
unusually susceptible to damage. Muscles, primarily
your voluntary muscles, become progressively weaker.
In the late stages of muscular dystrophy, fat and
connective tissue often replace muscle fibers. In
some types of muscular dystrophy, heart muscles,
other involuntary muscles and other organs are
affected. Nine major types of muscular dystrophy occur. The
most common muscular dystrophies appear to be due to
a genetic deficiency of the muscle protein
dystrophin. There's no cure, but medications
and therapy can slow the course of the disease.
Coping skills
For family members of people with muscular dystrophy, coping with the
illness involves a major commitment of physical, emotional and financial
effort. The disease presents challenges in the classroom, in the home
and in all aspects of life.
In dealing with a disease such as muscular dystrophy, support groups can
be a valuable part of a wider network of social support that includes
health care professionals, family, friends and place of religious
worship.
Support groups bring together people, family and friends who are coping
with the same kind of physical or mental health challenge. Support
groups provide a setting in which people can share their common problems
and provide ongoing support to one another.
Ask your doctor about self-help groups that may exist in your community.
Your local health department, public library, telephone book and the
Internet also may be good sources to locate a support group in your
area.
Muscular
dystrophy >
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