Muscular Dystrophy and The Major Organs

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Muscular Dystrophy and The Major Organs

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Myotonia

• Myotonia is increased contractility of
  musculature combined with a decreased power of
  relaxation
• Effects the voluntary muscles of those afflicted
  with MMD
• The effects of myotonia can be increased in
  colder temperatures, causing cups, tools, and
  door handles to pose problems
• The muscles around the eyes may have problems
  relaxing after a sneeze, so driving can pose a
  hazard
• Myotonia can be treated with drugs if it becomes
  dangerous or troublesome to the afflicted person

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The Heart

• Since myotonia effects muscles, the obvious
  thought would be that MMD poses problems to
  pumping blood through the heart
• This is not the case, as myotonia actually
  effects the conduction system of the heart in
  adult MMD
• After many years, a conduction block can occur,
  blocking the electricity-like signals that set
  the pace of the heartbeat
• Symptoms such as fainting, dizzy spells, or
  near-fainting are signs of conduction block.
  These problems could be fatal and should not be
  ignored

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Conduction Block

• Symptoms of conduction block may not be present
  in the early stages, but can be detected by
  doctors using an EKG, which shows how the heart
  is beating
• Those with MMD are usually subject to regular
  EKGs
• Conduction blocks can be corrected using a pace
  maker that will electronically regulate the
  heartbeat
• Not everyone with MMD is afflicted with heart
  problems, but it is recommended that everyone be
  checked

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The Brain

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• Children born with severe types of Muscular
  Dystrophy, such as Type 1 MMD, are often
  afflicted with severe learning problems, and
  often need special education
• Severe mental impairment is not as common in
  adults, but an inability to apply oneself to work
  or family life, concentrate, or stay focused on a
  task is often reported in MMD 1
• Mild cognitive difficulties are also reported in
  cases of Type 2 MMD
• Adults with MMD often need more sleep than
  others, and often feel like its the end of the
  day at the beginning of a work day
• Recent research has suggested that abnormalities
  in the brain can affects the sleep/wake rhythm of
  those with MMD
• Irregular breathing during sleep due to weakness
  in the respiratory muscles also add to the
  problem of fatigue in those with MMD, though not
  everyone
• Ritalin is sometimes prescribed to those with
  muscular dystrophy, as it has been found to
  positively affect daytime sleepiness

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The Eyes

• It is not fully understood why, but cataracts are
  extremely common in those effected by Myotonic
  Muscular Dystrophy
• Cataracts are caused by a chemical change in the
  lens of the eyes that causes the lens to turn
  cloudy and eventually impair vision
• Vision begins to become hazy, blurry, and dim as
  the cataract develops
• Cataracts often happen in both eyes, but do not
  usually develop at the same rate or at the same
  time

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Treatment of Cataracts

• The affected lens is usually surgically removed
  and replaced with either an artificial lens, or
  the patient can wear special contact lenses or
  eyeglasses
• Cataract surgery is quite effective, but if the
  patient has muscular dystrophy, the doctor must
  be informed, as the anesthesia can pose problems
  for those with MMD

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The Internal Organs

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Upper Digestive Tract

• In Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, the involuntary
  muscles that surround the hollow organs
  (digestive tract, uterus, blood vessels), can
  weaken and also be stricken with myotonia
• In the upper digestive tract, muscle weakness and
  myotonia can impair swallowing. Spasms in the
  esophagus make it feel like the food is stuck,
  and food is sometimes inhales into the lungs
• Advice from a specialist on how to take care in
  swallowing may be needed

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RECTUM?!? Damn near KILLEDEM!!!(Lower digestive
tract)

• Large intestine, rectum, and the anus are also
  affected by weakness and spasms caused by
  muscular dystrophy
• Cramping pains, constipation, and diarrhea can
  occur
• Diet and other treatments can be used to manage
  these problems
• The gallbladder, which squeezes bile into the
  intestines after meals is also affected by
  weakness, which makes those with MMD more
  susceptible to gallstones
• Difficulty digesting fatty foods and pain in the
  upper right portion of the abdomen are symptoms
  of gallstones. Surgery can be done if necessary