Can you have a child if you have muscular dystrophy?
People with muscular dystrophy may have difficulty holding and caring for the baby because of muscle weakness in the upper body. Physical and psychological help may be warranted for such patients.
Can people with muscular dystrophy reproduce?
A man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy fathered two living children. He was 1 of 10 affected males in 5 generations. Clinical and genetic patterns, muscle biopsies, autopsy results, and serum enzymes were all compatible with the diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Can you live a normal life with muscular dystrophy?
It progresses slowly, with short periods of rapid muscle deterioration and weakness. Severity ranges from very mild to completely disabling. Walking, chewing, swallowing, and speaking problems can occur. About 50% of of those with facioscapulohumeral MD can walk throughout their lives, and most live a normal life span.
How does muscular dystrophy affect child development?
Symptoms of Duchenne (dew-SHEN) and Becker muscular dystrophy are progressive. This means that they get worse over time. Kids with muscular dystrophy may also develop scoliosis (curved spine), heart problems, breathing problems, and trouble walking.
Can men with muscular dystrophy have a baby?
Carriers may not have any disease symptoms but can have a child with the mutation or the disease. DMD carriers are at risk for cardiomyopathy. Although DMD often runs in a family, it is possible for a family with no history of DMD to suddenly have a son with the disease.
Can a child be born with muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder. It’s usually inherited from one or both of a child’s parents. Sometimes muscular dystrophy isn’t inherited but is caused by a random change in a baby’s genes at the time of conception. Diagnosis of muscular dystrophy involves careful examination by a health care professional.
Is there a link between muscular dystrophy and mental health?
Research shows nearly half of men with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy included in this new study have mental health concerns. Researchers from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet) have published new data on mental health concerns among males with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD).
Is there a cure for muscular dystrophy ( MD )?
There is no cure for MD, but doctors are working on improving muscle and joint function and slowing muscle deterioration so people with MD can live as actively and independently as possible. There are different types of MD; some start in infancy, others may not appear until early adulthood. Common types are:
Are there any boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Some boys with Duchenne also have learning disabilities. Becker MD, which is similar to Duchenne, but less common and progresses more slowly. Symptoms usually begin during the teen years.
Will I Pass on muscular dystrophy to my child?
Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease. Accordingly, if you have the disease, there is an increased chance you may pass it to your child. The likelihood of your child developing muscular dystrophy depends on the type of muscular dystrophy you have. Some types can be passed down if only one parent has the mutation.
What is the life expectancy of congenital muscular dystrophy?
DMD affects about one in 5,000 males at birth. It is the most common type of muscular dystrophy. The average life expectancy is 26; however, with excellent care, some may live into their 30s or 40s.
What are the early symptoms of muscular dystrophy?
The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Specific signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups, depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.
What is the life span of muscular dystrophy?
Becker muscular dystrophy typically gets worse over time and reduces life expectancy. The majority of people diagnosed with it live between 40 and 50 years. The outlook is different for each individual because the disease can vary in its severity.