Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy: Clinical Presentation

1 Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy: Clinical Presentation The weakness of muscles close to the body trunk and which is of a genetic origin is what is usually referred to as Duchennes muscular dystrophy (DMD). Hip and shoulder muscles are also usually affected, with hands being hardly affected. The disease commences during childhood and it is most common in boys since it is an X-linked condition. The muscular weakness progresses with age and the weakness progresses very rapidly (Patient.co.uk, 2012).

Patients suffering from DMD may present with hardships in using the lower limbs. These may include falling a lot, problems with jumping or running, the gait may be waddling, when the child is in a sitting or a lying position getting up becomes problematic, the calf muscles may be unusually large (calf pseudohypertrophy), while learning disabilities may also be observed.

While the calf muscles may seem to be too big, they are generally not strong enough (The New York Times, 2012).

Buy this excellently written paper or order a fresh one from ace-myhomework.com

DUCHENNES MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

2

The weakness of the muscles emanates mainly from the lower limbs and the pelvis, while other areas like arms and the neck are less affected. Due to muscle weakness, a number of joints are rendered tight; a condition known as "contracture" (Patient.co.uk, 2012). In DMD cases, tightening of the ankle joint in addition to the Achilles' tendon is a common presentation. DMD patients have thin bones i.e. osteoporosis since mobility is limited or completely absent. Scoliosis or curvature of the spine is also witnessed. The muscles surrounding the shoulders may appear loose (The New York Times, 2012). With progressing age, the boy may develop the "Gower's sign" i.e. making use of the hands to assist in getting up. In fact by the age of 12 years, walking is totally impaired in most cases.

DUCHENNES MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY References Patient.co.uk. (2012). Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Retrieved 11 April 2012 from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Duchenne-Muscular-Dystrophy.htm The New York Times. (2012). Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The New York Times: Health Guide. Retrieved 11 April 2012 from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/ overview.html

3

DUCHENNES MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY Appendix

Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy: Source http://quinsy.blogspot.com/2011/11/duchennemuscular-dystrophy-symptoms.html

4