Written by Sofia Silva | Art by Anoushka Pandya
Muscular dystrophy is an uncommon disease that affects over 250,000 Americans, but what are the logistics behind it? How do the brave individuals diagnosed overcome and persevere while still going about their daily lives? This disease, known to weaken an individual’s muscles over time, has been greatly understudied, which marks the importance of educating ourselves on its impacts.
While commonly thought of as one singular disease, muscular dystrophy is a broader term used for over 30 diseases that genetically weaken the muscles. Each form varies in its general variety of symptoms and effects on the body, some more prevalent in certain age groups and genders. For example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a more prevalent form common in young boys aged 3-6, while facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy often starts during one’s teenage years, affecting more upper body muscles. Other forms include Becker muscular dystrophy, which is a less severe form of Duchenne that commonly starts in the teenage years of a child, as well as congenital muscular dystrophy, which is less severe and is found present at birth or before age two of an infant.
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic mutation that affects the proteins that strengthen and protect muscles. The muscles are broken down and replaced with fatty tissue, which causes trouble with walking and standing movements. Symptoms include trouble walking and using the arms, breathing problems, heart problems, a curved spine, clumsiness, and swallowing problems. It is commonly passed down genetically among families, but it can also be attained without a prior family history.
While there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, there are many treatments that can help ease physical activities and pain. Wheelchairs, physical therapy, psychological therapy, and medicine can help, while surgery and braces can help further protect and strengthen the muscles in more severe cases. While there has been a lot of research and discovery for a cure, there has still been much left undiscovered. So, let us break down this stigma and educate ourselves on the many mysteries of muscular dystrophy.
Works Cited:
Muscular dystrophy. (2023, October 26). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/muscular-dystrophy
National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Muscular dystrophy. MD | MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/musculardystrophy.html
Muscular dystrophy – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic. (2022, February 11). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375388
Pfizer. (n.d.). Duchenne Muscular dystrophy: Causes, symptoms, and treatment | Pfizer. https://www.pfizer.com/disease-and-conditions/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy
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