Multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscular dystrophy (MD) are two distinct conditions with different causes and symptoms. MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system, while MD is a group of genetic conditions that affect the muscles. While some symptoms may overlap, treatment is focused on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Prognosis varies depending on the type and severity of the condition.
There are many differences between multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscular dystrophy (MD). MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system, while MD is a group of related conditions that affect the muscles. People often confuse the two because their initials are so close together and the diseases can have similar symptoms in some cases.
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In multiple sclerosis, the immune system appears to attack the outer layer of nerves, particularly in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve, eventually breaking down this layer (called myelin). This means that the signals sent along those nerves are slowed down or can’t travel at all. No one is sure why this happens, so researchers don’t know the exact causes of the disease. Genetics are thought to likely play a role, but other factors, such as a virus or environmental conditions, could be involved.
Muscular dystrophy, on the other hand, is genetic. In most cases, a gene that controls the production of certain types of proteins malfunctions, causing muscle fibers to break down. There are many different types of MD, including a number of other closely related conditions, so the exact causes vary depending on the type of MD. Duchenne MD is believed to be one of the most common forms. It is caused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome and prevents the body from making a protein called dystrophin, which is needed for the cell membranes of muscle fibers.
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MS is more common in women than men, which is also true for other autoimmune diseases. Diagnosis typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 50, although it can affect younger people as well. It’s not clear how genetics play a role in MS, but people who have family members with the disease are also much more likely to develop it. It affects people of nearly all races, although people of northern European descent seem more susceptible, as do people who live further from the equator in general.
The most common types of muscular dystrophy affect boys, often the very young. Symptoms of Duchenne MD often begin before age 5 and are usually well advanced by the time a boy is 12 years old. A similar condition, Becker muscular dystrophy, often develops when a child is older, often around age 10 or even later. Symptoms of Emery-Dreifuss MD are usually present by age 10, and heart problems often develop by age 20.
Other types of muscular dystrophy, including limb girdle, myotonic, fasciapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and congenital MD, can affect both men and women. There are congenital forms of MD that are present at birth, while other types often develop when a person is in their teens or twenties. Oculopharyngeal MD does not usually appear until later in life, often after a person is in their 20s.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy can be similar, which is why they can be confused. Muscle weakness is common in both conditions and in MS, and some types of MD may experience problems walking and running. People with MS are more likely to develop additional symptoms, such as dizziness, vision problems, tingling or numbness, and electric shock sensations. Different forms of MD affect different parts of the body, so muscle weakness may be seen primarily in one area: the face with myotonic MD, for example, or the shoulders with FSHD.
MD tends to be very hard on the body as muscle fibers break down. Most forms will eventually cause death as the muscles weaken and atrophy. People with some of the more common forms are often unable to walk as the disease progresses and may develop joint and spinal cord problems.
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, which can therefore lead to difficulty moving. In this condition, muscles can become harder to move without pain and can atrophy because they are not being used. Muscle spasms and coordination problems may also occur. Symptoms can often be triggered or worsened by heat exposure.
Those with MS do not usually have constant symptoms, although an attack can last for months in some cases. These attacks can temporarily impair movement, cause vision problems, and cause great pain to the sufferer. Symptoms often disappear, especially in the early stages of the disease, and a person with the condition can go long periods without any problems. As the disease worsens, however, the attacks may become more frequent and the person is less likely to recover.
Diagnosis
A doctor typically diagnoses MS based on MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord, nerve function tests, and a lumbar puncture. He or she will typically also examine your eyes for erratic pupil responses and other vision problems. A neurological exam may also be conducted to test for arm and leg movement, reflexes, and sensation changes anywhere in the body.
Tests for MD include muscle function tests and in some cases a muscle biopsy. Some types often have clear physical symptoms. Blood tests are often done to find levels of certain enzymes, including creatine kinase. DNA tests can be used to look for specific genetic mutations found in some forms of the disease.
treatments
Currently, there is no known cure for either multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy. For both conditions, treatment is often focused on managing symptoms and helping the patient maintain a good quality of life while living with the condition.
Certain drugs, including fingolimod and interferons, can help reduce the number of MS attacks and slow the progression of the disease in some patients. Corticosteroids are often used to relieve inflammation associated with attacks, and muscle relaxants can help with pain and stiffness. Physical therapy is often recommended to help the patient maintain muscle tone.
People with MD may also experience benefits from physical therapy, which often helps the person maintain greater muscle function. As with MS, corticosteroids are often prescribed and can help maintain muscle strength. Once the disease progresses, wheelchairs and braces may be required so that the patient can remain mobile. People with spinal problems related to MD may need surgery to make breathing easier. A pacemaker may also be needed if the heart is affected by the disease.
Prognosis
Mild forms of multiple sclerosis do not necessarily affect life expectancy. Many people live 20 years or more with the disease, and those who develop it at a young age often have the best outlook. People with more severe forms, having longer attacks and less time in remission, may not live as long. In rare cases, aggressive MS results in death in a very short space of time.
The prognosis for someone with muscular dystrophy depends a lot on what kind of person they have and how severe it is. Duchenne MD is typically fatal at a young age, and most people who suffer from it do not live past the age of 20. People with FSHD or myotonic MD, on the other hand, often live normal lives.
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