Best Muscular Dystrophy Doctors in Kolkata

Muscular dystrophy is a collective group of inherited genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. These disorders occur due to mutations in genes responsible for maintaining healthy muscle structure and function. The mutations affect proteins like dystrophin, which are crucial for maintaining healthy muscle fibres. In most cases, these gene alterations are inherited from one or both parents. There's no cure for muscular dystrophy. However, medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the course of the disease.

The city of Kolkata, known for its rich culture and heritage, is home to an array of skilled healthcare professionals, including muscular dystrophy specialists who provide comprehensive care for this debilitating disease. Top-notch medical institutions in Kolkata, especially Apollo Hospitals, have some of the best doctors for muscular dystrophy disease treatment who ensure prompt diagnosis and personalised treatment for patients battling this disease.

Types/Stages of Muscular Dystrophy

The different forms of muscular dystrophy include the following:

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: This is the most common and severe form, primarily affecting young boys. Symptoms like progressive muscle weakness and loss of ability to walk manifest between the ages of 2 and 5 years.

• Becker Muscular Dystrophy: This form is less severe and slower in progression, with late onset of symptoms usually in adolescence or early adulthood.

• Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: In this type, muscle weakness and joint deformities are present from birth and disease progression is slow.

• Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy: This type is characterised by weakness originating in the shoulder and hip muscles, with slow progression to other muscle groups.

• Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy: This form affects the facial, shoulder, and upper arm muscles, with onset in childhood or early adulthood.

• Myotonic Dystrophy: This type causes muscle stiffness and weakness and has an impact on the heart, eyes, and other organs.

Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy manifests through the following symptoms that progressively become more severe over time:

• Delayed motor skill development in children

• Difficulty in walking, running, and jumping

• Frequent falls and trouble getting up from a lying or sitting position

• Muscle pain, stiffness, and loss of muscle bulk

• Walking on toes with a waddling gait

• Breathing problems that may necessitate assisted breathing devices

• Heart issues due to weakening of the heart muscle

Tests to Diagnose Muscular Dystrophy

Doctors for muscular dystrophy at Apollo Hospitals diagnose the disease through an array of tests:

• Blood Tests: To detect elevated levels of creatine kinase, aldolase, and myoglobin, which can indicate muscle damage.

• Genetic Testing: This test identifies mutations in the genes responsible for different types of muscular dystrophy.

• Muscle Biopsy: A small sample of muscle tissue is removed and examined for signs of dystrophic changes.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Muscular Dystrophy at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata

Best doctors for muscular dystrophy at Apollo Hospitals Kolkata offer various treatment options for muscular dystrophy:

• Drug Therapy: Medications like prednisone and deflazacort delay muscle degeneration while anticonvulsants control muscle spasms.

• Physical and Supportive Therapy: Includes physical therapy and occupational therapy that help maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility.

• Assistive Devices: In severe cases, assistive devices like wheelchairs, braces, and ventilation support may be needed.

• Surgical Options: Surgical procedures like tendon/muscle release surgery for contractures and spinal stabilisation surgery for scoliosis may be necessary.