Treating muscular dystrophy
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy so treatment is very much geared towards making life as comfortable as possible and encouraging development and independence. The care plan has a multi-faceted approach so it can deal with different aspects of the condition; some people have a range of symptoms so it is important that each aspect is catered for. In addition to medical care, therapies such as physiotherapy and speech therapy may be used to improve mobility and communication skills.
Sometimes patients are given medication to help to control their symptoms; medicines such as glucocorticoid corticosteroids have been proven to improve muscle strength.
In some rare cases, surgery may be carried out to correct problems which affect the structure of certain parts of the body; for example, a patient may have surgery if they suffer from scoliosis.
Muscular Dystrophy Birth Defects
Birth Defects Guide
- Birth Defects
- Brain and Nervous System Birth Defects
- Sensory Birth Defects
- Metabolic Disorders
- Degenerative Disorders