Stem Cell Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy in West Lafayette, IN
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is a collection of over 30 genetic diseases, generally resulting in a weakening and deterioration of the skeletal muscles. Many who suffer from the disease experience gradual decreases in both muscular strength and mobility, often accompanied by difficulty breathing.
Those suffering from muscular dystrophy may begin to display symptoms at almost any stage in life, depending on which form of the disease is inherited. Some of the most prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy are listed below.
Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. This form of the disease affects only males and commonly appears between ages 2 to 6. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy patients can live into their late teens and early 20s. Those who suffer from this form of muscular dystrophy often experience progressive spinal deformation and impaired respiratory or cardiovascular function.
Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
Myotonic muscular dystrophy is the most common form of the disease in adults. The disease carries a reduced life expectancy and is characterized by muscular spasms or stiffening. Aside from the expected muscular weakness, those with myotonic muscular dystrophy often experience issues with the central nervous system, heart, eyes, and GI tract. This form of the disease does not typically become a strain on daily activities until later on in life.
Becker's Muscular Dystrophy
Similar to Duchenne's, Becker's muscular dystrophy affects only males. Signs of this form of the disease can reveal themselves much later than what is commonly seen with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, in some cases as late as 25 years old. This form of the disease is characterized by heart problems. Those with Becker's muscular dystrophy can often walk into their 30s, commonly living longer than those with Duchenne's.
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Symptoms of muscular dystrophy include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle pain
- Strained mobility
- Respiratory difficulties
- Cardiovascular problems
- Delayed development
Stem Cell Treatment for Muscular Dystrophy
Research is being done to regenerate muscle tissue using stem cells derived from adipose (fat) tissue. While in its early stages, this research is may lead to stem cell therapies to slow, stop or reverse the onset of muscular dystrophy. Stem cells are cells that can be grown to serve any cellular function used by the human body. The medical applications of stem cells make them particularly valuable. Stem cells treatments are being developed to treat the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. In these experimental treatments, cells are harvested, processed, and reinserted into the body, often with the goal of generating muscle-building proteins. For more information on stem cell treatments for muscular dystrophy, call (765) 259-0545 or contact Charles Turner MD online.
Innovative Medicine
Address
3554 Promenade PkwySuite H
Lafayette, IN 47909
(765) 259-0545
www.innovativemedicine.org
Hours
Mon:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
Closed
Sat:
Closed
Sun:
Closed