Muscular dystrophy
Duke’s muscular dystrophy experts provide personalized treatment options to people with muscular dystrophy - a group of diseases that weakens muscles over time. We help you maintain muscle strength and preserve mobility for as long as possible. Our comprehensive care services, combined with ongoing support, education and counseling, allows us to help you and your family cope with the life-changing effects of muscular dystrophy.
Expert care for muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases that damage your muscle fibers and weaken your muscles over time. There are many forms of muscular dystrophy including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker’s, Emery-Dreifuss, facioscapulohumeral, Limb-Girdle, myotonia congenita, and myotonic forms of the disease. Our doctors are experts in treating all forms of muscular dystrophy, as well as the conditions that may occur as the disease progresses. We use every therapy option available to preserve your strength and mobility for as long as possible, and also work with you and your family to give you the skills you need to live with muscular dystrophy. We provide ongoing emotional and psychological support to you and your family, to improve your quality of life now and in the future.
Chose Duke for your muscular dystrophy treatment because we offer:
- Exceptional reputation. Our neurology program is consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report.
- Personalized care. We work closely with you to create a personalized care plan that starts at the time of your initial diagnosis and continues long-term.
- Experienced specialists. Muscular dystrophy requires ongoing care from many different experts. We deliver streamlined, one-stop care for your medical and therapy needs. Your care team includes neurologists, nurse coordinators, adult or pediatric occupational therapists, physical therapists, a nutritionist, a genetic counselor, and a social worker.
- Leaders in research. Our researchers are studying gene therapy options that may reverse the symptoms of some forms of muscular dystrophy. Our work helps us understand more about the origins of muscular dystrophy, which can help us develop more targeted and effective treatments for the future.
- Specialized technology. We perform about 3,000 routine and specialized diagnostic procedures in our accredited electromyography (EMG) lab every year. Our high patient volume demonstrates our advanced training and skill in diagnosing all types of muscular dystrophy. Our EMG lab is fully accredited by the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
- PATIENT STORY
Robotic arm gives independence to teen with muscular dystrophyKelby Oakley is the first youngster in North Carolina, and only one of 12 people in the country, to receive a robotic arm on his wheelchair.
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Treatments
There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, so our care is personalized to your unique needs, helping you remain mobile for as long as possible.
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Our specialized physical and occupational therapists use several techniques that help you continue to function as well as possible using the strength you have.
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Braces, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and other devices may be needed to improve your mobility, or to keep your muscles stretched and flexible. We help you choose the appropriate assistance device and teach you how to use it.
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We help you and your family members understand the role of family history in muscular dystrophy, and its potential impact on your family now and in the future.
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Muscular dystrophy can have a large impact on you and your family, and we are here to help. Our social workers can help you and your family cope with the psychological impact of the disease and navigate any treatment-related financial issues that you may encounter.
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Steroids may be prescribed to slow the progression of muscle loss.
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Our nutritionist will recommend a diet that includes foods which can improve your symptoms. Nutrition counseling may also alleviate weight gain associated with steroid use.
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Relieves shortening of a muscle or joint, known as contractures. This procedure may help you continue to walk. Surgery may also be recommended to treat scoliosis, improving your breathing and sitting balance.
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Tests
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical and family history. In addition, he may order one or more of the following tests:
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Determines whether weakness you are experiencing is related to nerve or muscle disease. Techniques include nerve conduction studies in which electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate nerves, as well as needle electromyography, which records and analyzes electrical activity in muscle.
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Measures an elevated muscle enzyme called creatine kinase and other conditions that may indicate a nerve or muscle disease.
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Small amounts of muscle tissue and cells are obtained through a needle or small incision for examination under a microscope, as well as for biochemical and genetic evaluation.
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Blood samples are examined for gene changes that may signal muscle disease.