Skilled Care & Treatment of Children with Muscular Dystrophy in Northern California

People who have muscular dystrophy are born with the disease, but symptoms may not appear until later in life. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is just one of many types of muscular dystrophy. 

Dignity Health North State provides family-centered, ongoing care for babies, children, and adults with muscular dystrophy to manage the increasing loss of muscle and varying level of disability. 

Skilled treatment of muscular dystrophy in Northern California starts with an experienced doctor and care team. Use our Find a Doctor tool and make an appointment today with a provider who specializes in muscular dystrophy in children. We consider it a privilege to care for you and your baby at all of our hospitals, including:

 

What Causes Muscular Dystrophy?

Babies born with congenital muscular dystrophy and other, late-onset forms have a mutation in one of many different genes involved in muscle function. The genetic defect causes muscles to gradually weaken. All muscular dystrophies are genetic, but not all forms are inherited. 

 

Signs & Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

Your child’s doctor may suspect a problem and order diagnostic tests if your child exhibits these common muscular dystrophy symptoms:

  • Abnormal movement
  • Delay in sitting up or walking, and other missed developmental milestones
  • Lack of muscle tone 
  • Overall muscle weakness that get worse with time
  • Stiff joints
  • Unusual walking pattern, or gait 

Our doctors use blood tests, electromyography, muscle biopsy, and genetic analysis to diagnose muscular dystrophy. Diagnosis may include genetic testing of the parents to determine the risk of conceiving a child with muscular dystrophy.

 

Multifaceted Muscular Dystrophy Treatment at Dignity Health North State

After diagnosis, your doctor will help you understand your child’s condition, answer your questions, and explain all of your child’s treatment options. Treatments are designed to ease symptoms, increase mobility, and reduce complications. 

Treatment may include any of the following options:

  • Medications to slow muscle loss, prevent muscle spasms, and treat complications, such as infections
  • Occupational therapy to improve function and everyday living with assistive devices and other adaptations  
  • Physical therapy to build core strength and improve movement
  • Surgery to treat skeletal problems and other complications

Talk to your doctor for more information about our dedicated care for muscular dystrophy in Northern California.

Dignity Health North State has skilled doctors and nurses who personalize your treatment plan for muscular dystrophy in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA