About Muscular Dystrophy
Key Highlights
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Provides a holistic, coordinated approach to managing a complex chronic condition.Focuses on slowing disease progression and managing secondary complications.Involves a multidisciplinary care team tailored to the patient's specific needs.Aims to maximize independence and improve overall quality of life.Offers continuous monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan over time.
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive muscle weakness, wasting, or stiffness.
- Family history of muscular dystrophy or related neuromuscular disorders.
- Delayed motor milestones in children (e.g., walking, running).
- Frequent falls, difficulty climbing stairs, or rising from the floor (Gowers' sign).
- Elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels in blood tests.
- Development of joint contractures or scoliosis.
- Cardiac or respiratory symptoms related to muscle weakness.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed personal and family medical history.
- Undergo a thorough neurological and physical examination.
- Complete recommended blood tests, including creatine kinase (CK) levels.
- Prepare for potential diagnostic tests like electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, or muscle biopsy.
- Consult with a genetic counselor to understand the implications of genetic testing.
- Meet with other specialists (neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist) as advised for a comprehensive evaluation.
Risks & possible complications
- Progressive, irreversible muscle weakness leading to loss of mobility.
- Development of serious cardiac complications (cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias).
- Respiratory failure due to weakness of breathing muscles.
- Increased risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
- Severe scoliosis and joint contractures limiting movement.
- Nutritional challenges and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
- Psychological impact, including anxiety and depression, related to chronic illness.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Management is lifelong and focuses on maintenance, not recovery from a single procedure.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the Internal Medicine specialist and multidisciplinary team are essential.
- Adherence to prescribed physical and occupational therapy regimens is crucial to maintain strength and flexibility.
- Use of assistive devices (braces, wheelchairs) as recommended to support mobility and independence.
- Close monitoring and management of cardiac and respiratory function with appropriate specialists.
- Nutritional support and possible dietary modifications to maintain healthy weight and strength.
- Psychological support and counseling for the patient and family to cope with the chronic nature of the disease.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient management) or variable for acute complications
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Expected recovery time: Lifelong management
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering muscular dystrophy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for muscular dystrophy in India include Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform muscular dystrophy. MediFyr helps you compare internal medicine specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for muscular dystrophy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient management) or variable for acute complications | ~ Lifelong management | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient management) or variable for acute complications | ~ Lifelong management | Know More |
Top hospitals for Muscular Dystrophy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing muscular dystrophy.
Krishna Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Krishna Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, had always been the 'strong one' in his family. Over the past two years, he noticed a troubling decline in his stamina and strength. Climbing the stairs to his third-floor apartment left him breathless, and he began dropping coffee mugs his hands could no longer grip firmly. His morning runs became impossible. His primary care physician, noting his elevated creatine kinase levels and progressive weakness, referred him to a specialist in neuromuscular disorders. The specialist, Dr. Mehta, recommended genetic testing for Muscular Dystrophy, specifically targeting the dystrophin gene, suspecting Becker Muscular Dystrophy given Krishna's age of onset. The procedure itself, a blood draw for genetic analysis, was simple, but the three-week wait for results was agonizing. Krishna grappled with fears about his career, his future ability to support his aging parents, and the genetic implications for any children he might have. The results confirmed Becker MD. While the diagnosis was devastating, it provided a clear path. Post-diagnosis, Krishna was connected with a multidisciplinary team. He began a regimen of physical therapy, cardiac monitoring, and corticosteroid treatment to slow progression. The emotional journey was from confusion and denial to a painful acceptance, and finally to a determined resilience. He now leads a local support group, using his tech skills to build an online community for young adults with MD, transforming his personal challenge into a source of purpose and connection.
Internal Medicine Specialists for Muscular Dystrophy
Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform muscular dystrophy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 41 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 22 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 32 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 43 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 21 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 15 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore