Is dizziness a symptom of muscular dystrophy?
Patients might have abnormal heart rhythms, which can lead to heart failure. Patients might also feel short of breath, dizzy, or have chest pains. Swelling in the legs or abdomen can also be a sign of heart problems.
What are some later symptoms of muscular dystrophy?
The complications of progressive muscle weakness include:
- Trouble walking. Some people with muscular dystrophy eventually need to use a wheelchair.
- Trouble using arms.
- Shortening of muscles or tendons around joints (contractures).
- Breathing problems.
- Curved spine (scoliosis).
- Heart problems.
- Swallowing problems.
How does muscular dystrophy affect someone emotionally?
It’s perfectly natural for Duchenne MD patients to experience frustration, anger, self-pity and anxiety regarding their condition, but there are ways that you can help them cope with their emotions.
Is muscular dystrophy a neurological impairment?
Muscular dystrophies are neuromuscular diseases that are usually—but not always—inherited. They cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Muscular dystrophies are caused by abnormal genes that interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.
What are the symptoms and causes of muscular dystrophy?
1 Overview. Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. 2 Symptoms. The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. 3 Causes. Certain genes are involved in making proteins that protect muscle fibers. 4 Risk factors. 5 Complications.
Can a person with muscular dystrophy have heart problems?
Heart problems. Muscular dystrophy can reduce the efficiency of the heart muscle. Swallowing problems. If the muscles involved with swallowing are affected, nutritional problems and aspiration pneumonia can develop. Feeding tubes might be an option.
Can a person with muscular dystrophy use a ventilator?
Progressive weakness can affect the muscles associated with breathing. People with muscular dystrophy may eventually need to use a breathing assistance device (ventilator), initially at night but possibly also during the day. Curved spine (scoliosis). Weakened muscles may be unable to hold the spine straight.
What are the symptoms of myotonic dystrophy in men?
Read Keeping Your Focus: Eye Care, particularly the section called Other vision problems: Not common, sometimes treatable, for additional information about eye care in neuromuscular disorders. A long, thin face with hollow temples, drooping eyelids and, in men, balding in the front, is typical in myotonic dystrophy.