What are the treatments available for duchenne muscular dystrophy?

See below: There are no known cures for duchenne muscular dystrophy, so treatments are aimed at improving symptoms and improving quality of life. Options include physical therapy, assisted ventilation, medications to help the heart.

Contact the MDA for: Referrals & support. Apply for ssi, medicaid & the katie beckett program at the same time. After achilles' tendon releases, mobilize in a walking splint/cast asap. .Consider steroid use; watch for weight gain & cataracts. Get baseline spine x-rays; use wheelchairs with solid seat & back inserts to slow scoliosis. Check heart & lung function before spinal fusion. Educational recs. To follow.

Educational: Genetics evaluation & testing shows if the boys have deletions in the part of the dystrophin gene associated with cognitive impairment. Many kids have typical cognition, some with deficits in auditory memory, digit span, & auditory comprehension. There's increased risk of adhd, autistic disorder & behavior problems. A neuropsychological eval (thru bch) will help tailor their iep's for school.