Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic health disorder characterized by the degeneration of the skeletal and cardiovascular muscles, which advances with time. The symptoms typically begin around age six and affect more men than women. Although there is no definite cure for this condition, an early diagnosis, treatment, and particular lifestyle changes can manage the symptoms. Here are a few warning signs of DMD that should not be ignored.
Pelvic and leg muscle weakness
Weakness of the leg and pelvic muscles are among the first signs of DMD. As the disease progresses, the weakness may advance to the shoulder, forearm, and trunk muscles. Diagnosing the condition at this early stage is crucial to manage its progression.
Calf muscle enlargement
Many patients with DMD develop enlarged calf muscles in the initial stages. This symptom, called calf muscle hypertrophy, is specifically observed among young boys.
Difficulty walking
Since DMD initially affects one’s legs before progressing to other muscles, children often experience mobility issues, requiring support to walk. A skid-proof home is usually essential for those with DMD.
Shortness of breath
When DMD affects the heart muscles, it sometimes leads to cardiomyopathy. In this disorder, the heart cannot pump blood to the different body organs effectively, resulting in a lack of oxygen and breathing problems. If left untreated, breathing difficulties may progress to pneumonia, atelectasis, and related respiratory conditions.
Fatigue
A lack of oxygen supply in the body due to cardiomyopathy can cause severe fatigue among patients with DMD.
Speech and developmental delay
Since DMD is a neuromuscular condition, it may impact a child’s language and motor skills, causing a speech and developmental delay. It may affect a child’s milestones, such as crawling, sitting, standing, and walking.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which one’s spine curves sideways. The progression of scoliosis is usually quick among DMD patients, with an angulation increase between 16 and 24 degrees per year. The onset of scoliosis can worsen one’s mobility issues.
Stunted growth
Most children and adolescents with this disorder are shorter than others their age. One’s growth typically starts getting stunted early in life.
Toe walking
The lower-extremity muscles degenerate progressively among children with DMD. This weakens the dorsiflexors in the feet, which are responsible for the feet’s backward and forward contraction. Consequently, toe-walking is a common symptom.
Facial weakness
DMD may sometimes affect one’s facial muscles, causing limited facial movements and difficulty with activities like whistling, puckering the lips, and using a straw. Some also find it difficult to close their eyes completely.
DMD is a rare neurogenerative genetic disorder affecting as few as two per 10,000 persons nationwide. Early diagnosis and treatment can help patients lead productive lives and manage their symptoms better.
