Dr. Kiran B Nair, CEO of Vaidya Healthcare in Perumbavoor, Kerala talks about muscular dystrophy (MD), a rare genetic condition that affects the muscles. The chromosomal aberration present on the X chromosome affects a protein called dystrophin that is necessary to maintain the muscle cells in our body. The changes in the dystrophin protein cause the muscles to become weaker or stiffer over time. The mutation being X-linked, males are at more risk of developing the disease. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy based on the group of muscles that are affected. Duchenne MD, myotonic dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral MD, Becker MD, limb-girdle MD, oculopharyngeal MD, and Emery-Dreifuss MD are some of the different types of MD. Duchenne MD (DMD) is the most common form of MD and is often seen in young boys.
The symptoms of MD start appearing at a very young age with children showing developmental delays. Some of the common symptoms are weak arms and legs, trouble climbing stairs, falling down often, being clumsy, etc. “Since the disease is progressive, the muscles tend to get weaker as they get older. Slowly, the child becomes wheelchair-dependent as the muscles keep getting weaker”, says Dr. Kiran. Later, the heart and lungs start getting weaker leading to cardiac problems and breathing trouble.
“Until recently, children with MD were not expected to survive beyond their teenage years. However, we have been successful in changing this trend”, says Dr. Kiran. The life expectancy of MD patients can be improved drastically when proper medications and treatment protocols are followed as suggested by the physicians at Vaidya Healthcare. “At Vaidya Healthcare, the focus is to prevent further deterioration of the muscles. This is achieved by a combination of Panchakarma treatment and physiotherapy”, says Dr. Kiran. Ayurvedic therapy along with physiotherapy plays a big role in improving the muscle tone and muscle strength of MD patients.
MD is a disease with no cure. The therapy has to be continued lifelong to slow the progression of the disease. “Having a child with MD can be life-altering, mentally, physically, and financially. The knowledge that their child will never live a normal life can completely wreck the parents”, says Dr. Kiran. Therefore, it is important that we create awareness about the condition amongst the family members and provide them with ample support and counseling. “A child affected with MD will definitely need assistance and support from others”, says Dr. Kiran. This takes a big toll on the family as they have to adjust their whole lives and routines to fit the needs and requirements of the affected individual.
Being wheelchair-bound and dependent on others can be extremely challenging. However, this does not mean one cannot live their life and achieve their dreams. This is proved by the numerous brave children who are under treatment in the able hands of Dr. Kiran and his team at Vaidya Healthcare.
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