How do you help a child with muscular dystrophy?

How do you help a child with muscular dystrophy?

Handling the challenges of muscular dystrophy

1. Learn about the disease. This will help you know what you can do to help your child.
2. Focus on your child’s strengths.
3. Give your child some responsibility for his or her care.
4. Be aware of possible challenges.
5. Consider joining a support group.
6. Be realistic.

Is muscular dystrophy common in children?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy most often affects boys, though girls can inherit the gene and pass it to their children. Some other types of muscular dystrophy that can affect children include: Becker: This type is related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but is less severe.

What happens to a child with muscular dystrophy?

Symptoms of Duchenne (dew-SHEN) and Becker muscular dystrophy are progressive. This means that they get worse over time. Kids with muscular dystrophy may also develop scoliosis (curved spine), heart problems, breathing problems, and trouble walking.

What is the life expectancy of a child with muscular dystrophy?

Median life expectancy without ventilatory support ranged between 14.4 and 27.0 years (pooled median: 19.0 years, 95% CI 18.0-20.9; weighted pooled median: 19.4 years, 18.2-20.1).

How do I know if my child has muscular dystrophy?

What are the symptoms of muscular dystrophy?

1. Clumsy movement.
2. Difficulty climbing stairs.
3. Frequently trips and falls.
4. Unable to jump or hop normally.
5. Tip toe walking.
6. Leg pain.
7. Facial weakness.
8. Inability to close eyes or whistle.

What age does muscular dystrophy appear?

Onset usually occurs in the teenage years but can begin in childhood or as late as age 50. Congenital. This type affects boys and girls and is apparent at birth or before age 2. Some forms progress slowly and cause only mild disability, while others progress rapidly and cause severe impairment.

Can muscle dystrophy be cured?

There’s currently no cure for muscular dystrophy (MD), but a variety of treatments can help to manage the condition. As different types of MD can cause quite specific problems, the treatment you receive will be tailored to your needs.

How old do you have to be to have muscular dystrophy?

What are the symptoms of muscular dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy is usually diagnosed in children between 3 and 6 years of age.

What are the symptoms of muscular dystrophy in children?

The following are the most common symptoms of muscular dystrophy. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Clumsy movement. Difficulty climbing stairs. Frequently trips and falls. Unable to jump or hop normally. Tip toe walking.

Where can I get help for my child with muscular dystrophy?

The Muscular Dystrophy Association can be an important resource, both financially and emotionally, for parents of children with muscular dystrophy. The Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation treats and monitors infants, children and teens at all stages of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care.

Why do children with muscular dystrophy have large calves?

In addition, children with muscular dystrophy often have very large calves due to the large amounts of fatty deposits that are replacing muscle. The symptoms of muscular dystrophy may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child’s doctor for a diagnosis.