Muscular Dystrophy is characterized by a collection of muscle-wasting conditions. The disorder is caused by genetic mutations which interfere with the production of muscle protein dystrophin, necessary to build muscles. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease, consequently, the chance of an individual developing a disease increases with a history of muscular dystrophy in the family. The symptoms include shortening of muscles and tendons, the curvature of spine, weakening of heart muscles leading to cardiac problems, and breathing problems. The most common forms of muscular dystrophies include duchenne muscular dystrophy, becker muscular dystrophy, myotonic disease, congenital disease and oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. The cure for any form of muscular dystrophy is currently unspecified, but the symptoms can be relived through physical therapy, exercise, rehabilitative devices like a powered wheelchair, respiratory care and surgery.
