Best Doctors for Muscular Dystrophy in Chennai

Types/Stages of Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy manifests in several forms, each with unique characteristics:

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): This form primarily affects young boys leading to rapid muscle degeneration, with symptoms becoming evident between ages 2 to 5.

• Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD): Similar to DMD but progresses more slowly, with symptoms typically emerging in the teens or twenties.

• Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD): This group of disorders is present from birth or early childhood and varies widely in severity.

• Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD): This type causes progressive weakness primarily in the muscles around the shoulders and hips, generally appearing in childhood or adolescence.

• Myotonic Dystrophy: This is the most common form in adults, characterised by an inability to relax muscles after contraction.

Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

The symptoms associated with muscular dystrophy can vary significantly depending on the specific type:

• Difficulty standing up or walking

• Frequent falls

• Trouble running and jumping

• Progressive weakness in the muscles of the shoulders and hips

• Inability to relax muscles after contraction

• Muscle cramps and pain

Tests to Diagnose Muscular Dystrophy

At Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, a combination of tests are frequently employed by doctors specialising in muscular dystrophy for diagnosis:

• Enzyme Assays: These blood tests measure elevated creatine kinase (an enzyme released into the bloodstream when muscle fibres are damaged) levels indicating muscle damage.

• Genetic Testing: This helps identify the specific genetic mutation causing the disease.

• Electromyography: This assesses the electrical activity in muscles by inserting small needles (electrodes) into the muscles.

• Muscle Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of muscle tissue is examined under a microscope. This helps evaluate the structure of muscle fibres, detect abnormalities, and assess the extent of muscle damage.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Muscular Dystrophy at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

The doctors specialising in muscular dystrophy treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, offer comprehensive care options:

• Corticosteroids: These medications, such as prednisone or deflazacort, are often prescribed to help reduce inflammation, preserve muscle function and slow disease progression.

• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Physical therapy maintains muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion, while occupational therapy teaches adaptive strategies and device use for independent daily activities.

• Assistive Devices: These include orthotic braces for muscle and joint support, wheelchairs for mobility assistance, and respiratory aids like BiPAP or CPAP machines for breathing support, particularly in advanced muscular dystrophy stages.

• Surgical Interventions: These may include tendon releases to improve joint flexibility and function, and spinal fusion for stabilising severe scoliosis caused by muscular dystrophy.