Muscular dystrophy is the condition that results in progressive weakening of the muscles, primarily in children.This condition may occur from about 30 genetic disorders. It causes debilitating effects on the skeletal muscles of the body which is important for performing voluntary movements. The affected muscles begin to lose their strength.
The individual genetic mutation (defect) indicate different types of signs and symptoms as well as the extent of the defect and the type of muscles affected. If left untreated, muscular dystrophy can worsen with time and the patient may lose control over their muscles rapidly.
Different types of muscular dystrophy
There are nine (9) types of muscular dystrophy conditions that are classified as:
- Duchene –It results in progressive weakening and wasting of muscles in the body, mainly the pelvis, upper legs and upper arms. This will eventually affect the voluntary muscles as well.
- Becker –The symptoms are generally similar to Duchene muscular dystrophy, but are less severe and slower in progress.
- Congenital – It results in general weakness and deformed joints.
- Distal –It causes rapid weakening and wasting of muscles in the lower legs, forearms, and hands.
- Emery-Dreifuss –It causes weakening and wasting of muscles in the shin, upper arm, and shoulders.
- Limb-girdle –It weakens the muscles in the pelvic girdle and shoulder girdle initially before progressing to the neighbouring
- Facioscapulohumeral – It results in the weakening of facial muscles along with the muscles in the upper arms and shoulders.
- Myotonic – It results in contraction of muscles of the hand, feet, face, and neck.
- Oculopharyngeal – It causes weakening of the finer muscles, such as the eyelid, throat, etc.
How effective is stem cell treatment for muscular dystrophy?
Stem cell treatment for muscular dystrophy is an innovative and ultra-modern method of treatment that helps the patient to recover the strength and movement in the affected muscles.
Stem cell therapy works to undo the damage caused at the cellular level to the muscle tissues. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate (divide) into various essential types of cells that are needed for normal functioning of the body.
Experts at NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute in Mumbai, are efficient in sourcing, processing and using stem cells to treat the affected muscles. Research has shown an immense improvement with conventional treatment when combined with stem cell treatment for muscular dystrophy.
