What is the difference between multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscle dystrophy (MD)?
There are many differences between multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscle dystrophy (MD). It is believed that MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system, while MD is a group of related conditions that affect muscles. People often confuse them because their initials are so close and diseases may have similar symptoms in some cases.
Causes
It seems that the immune system of the body in multiple sclerosis attacks the outer layer of nerves, especially in the brain, spinal cord and optical nerve, eventually disrupts this layer (called myelin). This means that the signals sent along these nerves are slowed or cannot travel at all. No one is sure why this happens, so scientists do not know the exact causes of the disease. It is assumed that genetics is likely to play a role, but other factors can be involved - such as virus or environmental conditions. In most cases there is a gene that contributes to the production of certain types of proteins does not work properly, causing the spindle to disintegrateWind fibers. There are many different types of MD, including a number of other closely related conditions, so the exact causes differ depending on the type of MD. Duchenne MD is considered one of the most common forms. This is caused by a defective gene on X chromosome and prevents the body to produce a protein called dystrophin, which is needed for cell membranes of muscle fibers.
Who is influenced?
MS is more common in women than in men, which also applies to other autoimmune diseases. The diagnosis usually occurs aged between 20 and 50, although you can also affect younger people. The way genetics plays a role in multiple sclerosis is not clear, but people who have family members with this disease are much more likely to develop it. It affects people of almost all races, altource gh from northern European origin seem to be more sensitive, as well as people who live further from the equator in general.
the most common types of muscleDystrophy influence boys, often those who are very young. Symptoms of Duchenne MD often start before age 5 years and are usually well advanced until the boy is 12. A similar condition, Becker muscle dystrophy, often evolves when the child is older, often around 10 years or even later. Symptoms of Emery-Dreifuss MD are usually present at the age of 10 years and heart problems often develop by 20.
other types of muscle dystrophy, including limb tape, myotonic, fascioscapulohumeral (FSHD) and congenital MD, can affect both men and women. There are congenital forms of MD that are present at the time of birth, while other types often evolve when a person is in his adolescent or 20 years. Oculopharyngeal MD usually does not appear later in life, often after a person at the age of 50.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of multiple sclerosis and muscle dystrophy may be similar, which is one of the reasons why they can be confused. The muscle weakness is common in both conditionCurves and problems of walking and running can be seen in the MS and some types of MD. People with RS are more likely to develop other symptoms such as dizziness, eye problems, tingling or insensitivity and feelings of electric shocks. Different forms of MD affect different parts of the body, so muscle weakness can be seen mostly in one area: for example, the face with myotonic MD or FSHD arms.
MD tends to be very difficult on the body when the muscle fibers fall apart. Most forms eventually cause death because the muscles are weak and atrophic. People with some of the most common forms often cannot walk with the disease progress and can develop problems with their joints and mixes.
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, which can then lead to movement. In this condition, the muscles may be harder to move without pain and may atrophy because they are not used. Muscle spams and coordination problems may also occur. Symptoms can often be triggered or impaired by heat exposure.
tiWith MS, they usually do not have constant symptoms, although the attack may take months in some cases. These attacks may temporarily disrupt movement, cause vision problems and provide suffering great pain. Symptoms often disappear, especially in the early stages of the disease, and a person with a condition can go through a long time without problems. However, as the disease deteriorates, attacks can become more frequent and the person is less recovering.
diagnosis
Medical professional usually diagnoses MS based on MRI brain scanning and spinal cord, nerve function tests and lumbar puncture. He or she also usually examines the eyes for the irregular reactions of the pupils and the vision problems. A neurological test can also be performed to test movement in the arms and legs, reflexes and changes in any part of the body.
MD tests include muscle function tests and muscle biopsy in some cases. Some types often have clear physical symptoms. Blood tests are often performed to find the levels of certain enzymes, includingCreatine kinase. DNA tests can be used to search for specific genetic mutations found in some forms of the disease.
Treatment
There is currently no known drug for multiple sclerosis or muscle dystrophy. For both conditions, treatment is often aimed at controlling symptoms and helping the patient maintain good quality of life alive with the condition.
Some medicines, including fingolimod and interferon, can help reduce the number of MS attacks and slow disease progression in some patients. Corticosteroids are often used to relieve associated inflammation attacks and muscle relaxants can help with pain and stiffness. Physical therapy is often recommended to help the patient maintain the tone of muscle.
MD people can also experience the benefits of physical therapy that often help one to maintain more muscle functions. As with MS, corticosteroids are often prescribed and can help maintain muscle strength. Once the disease progresses, the Inv may be neededAlid trucks and braces so that the patient can remain mobile. People with spinal problems related to MD may need surgery to facilitate breathing. If the disease is affected by the heart, the pacemaker may also be required.
prognosis
mild forms of multiple sclerosis do not necessarily affect life expectancy. Many people live with this disease for 20 years or more, and those who develop it at a younger age often have the best view. People with more serious forms, with longer attacks and less time in remission may not live for so long. In rare cases, the aggressive result of the MSV is a very short time of death.
The prognosis for someone who has muscle dystrophy depends largely on the type of person and how serious it is. Duchenne MD is usually fatal at a young age and most people who have it do not live after mid -20 years. People with FSHD or myotonic MD, on the other hand, often live normal life.