Myopathy is a gradually evolving severe muscle atrophy. The neuromuscular disease causes degeneration of muscle tissue. The Duchenne de Boulogne* is the best known.
The
DMD is hereditary and affects only boys. The disease is detected at the age of three years. It is characterized by progressive destruction of muscle. Early weakness in muscles usually occur at the height of the basin, causing the shimmy and a deviation of the spine. Around the age of twelve, the child uses a wheelchair.
In the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the respiratory muscles weaken, requiring a system of breathing mechanics. The heart muscles perform more difficult tasks.
The treatment is to improve the comfort of the patient with medication and exercises given by specialists. There is no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Life expectancy is about thirty years.
Other forms of myopathy
The
Becker muscular dystrophy is a less violent form of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The
facial myopathy glenohumeral affects both sexes. The first symptoms occur usually around the age of twelve. A weakness of facial muscles appear, sometimes well before the age of twelve. This form of myopathy is characterized by atrophy then the shoulders and upper arms.
The
girdle muscular dystrophy tackles the shoulder belts or pelvis or both belts. By moving, the disease can spread to other muscles.
There are about 80 types of myopathies.
* Duchenne de Boulogne : French doctor (Boulogne-sur-Mer 1806 - Paris 1875), author of works on diseases of the nervous system. (Larousse)16 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |
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Myopathie. Thank you to report an error.