Treatment
There is no known cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Treatment aims to control symptoms and improve quality of life for the individual. The best recommendation is doing appropriate activity; inactivity such as bed-rest will only make the muscle disease worse.
Different type of therapies can be included in treatment. Physical therapy may help to maintain muscle strength and range of motion. Most of the time, speech therapy is needed. Occupational therapy helps the individual to become more independent – this addresses coping skills, social skills, and how to access helpful community services.
Steroid drugs help strengthen muscles and at the same time can also can slow down the progression of muscle deterioration. Other medications & supplements may include (but have not been proven to be effective) albuterol, amino acids, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, creatine, fish oil, green tea extracts, and vitamin E.
Since muscles of ventilation will become weakened – especially in the late stage of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy’s patients – physical aids are included, such as assisted ventilation aids (as pictured above) for children having difficulties in the ventilation mechanism. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs help the children who have a limited mobility. Proton pump inhibitors may also be taken into consideration to use.
In addition, surgery can help to correct shortening of muscles, treat scoliosis, repair cataracts, or treat cardiac problems.
‘MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’
Different type of therapies can be included in treatment. Physical therapy may help to maintain muscle strength and range of motion. Most of the time, speech therapy is needed. Occupational therapy helps the individual to become more independent – this addresses coping skills, social skills, and how to access helpful community services.
Steroid drugs help strengthen muscles and at the same time can also can slow down the progression of muscle deterioration. Other medications & supplements may include (but have not been proven to be effective) albuterol, amino acids, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, creatine, fish oil, green tea extracts, and vitamin E.
Since muscles of ventilation will become weakened – especially in the late stage of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy’s patients – physical aids are included, such as assisted ventilation aids (as pictured above) for children having difficulties in the ventilation mechanism. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs help the children who have a limited mobility. Proton pump inhibitors may also be taken into consideration to use.
In addition, surgery can help to correct shortening of muscles, treat scoliosis, repair cataracts, or treat cardiac problems.
‘MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’