Muscular Dystrophy
On this page: How VCI Mobility Can Help, Resources
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic, hereditary muscular diseases that weaken the muscles that move the human body. Muscular dystrophies are characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins, and the death of muscle cells and tissue. Most types of MD are multi-system disorders with manifestations in parts of the body including the heart, gastrointestinal and nervous systems, endocrine glands, skin, eyes and other organs. Nine particular diseases are always classified as MD; Duchenne, Becker, limb girdle, congenital, facioscapulohumeral, myotonic.
The symptoms of MD include progressive muscular wasting (weakness), poor balance, frequent falls, walking difficulty, waddling gait, calf pain, limited range of movement, respiratory difficulty, drooping eyelids, gonadal atrophy, scoliosis and inability to walk.
The largest number of MD cases are in males. In most cases the condition is inherited, with the different muscular dystrophies following various inheritance patterns. The best-known type, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, meaning that the mutated gene that causes the disorder is located on the X chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes, and is considered sex-linked. In males (who only have one X chromosome), one altered copy of the gene of each cell is sufficient to cause the condition. In females (who have two X chromosomes), a mutation generally must be present in both copies of the gene to cause the disorder.
MD can be diagnosed through the results of a muscle biopsy. In some cases, a DNA blood test may be all that is needed.
The prognosis for people with MD varies according to the type and the progression of the disorder. Some cases may be mild and progress very slowly over a normal lifespan, while others produce severe muscle weakness, functional disability, and the loss of the ability to walk. Some children with MD die in infancy, while others live into adulthood with only moderate disability.
There is now known cure for MD. Inactivity (i.e. bed rest or sitting for long periods) can worsen the disease. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and orthopedic instruments (i.e. wheelchairs, standing frames) may be helpful.
How VCI Mobility Can Help
As MD is a progressive disease, an individual’s mobility needs may change during their life. At VCI Mobility, we pride ourselves on the fact that we don’t just sell mobility products, we develop life-long relationships with our customers. For this reason, as your needs change, we can help to provide you with the mobility products that will best suit your unique needs. Whether you need adaptive driving aids, assistive seating, an accessible minivan or a full-size vehicle, VCI is your one-stop mobility resource.