Finding useful health information on the Internet can be difficult, but we’re here to help. This page gathers quality information from trusted sources. You can learn more about the disease, visit handpicked websites, and find resources to help you in your daily life. Need more information? Click the menu on the left to find more!
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Medical Disclaimer
The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Muscular dystrophy
Overview
Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some forms of MD are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. The disorders differ in terms of the distribution and extent of muscle weakness (some forms of MD also affect cardiac muscle), age of onset, rate of progression, and pattern of inheritance. The prognosis for people with MD varies according to the type and progression of the disorder. There is no specific treatment to stop or reverse any form of MD. Treatment is supportive and may include physical therapy, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, orthopedic appliances used for support, corrective orthopedic surgery, and medications including corticosteroids, anticonvulsants (seizure medications), immunosuppressants, and antibiotics. Some individuals may need assisted ventilation to treat respiratory muscle weakness or a pacemaker for cardiac (heart) abnormalities. Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), supported by ORDR-NCATS and NHGRI.
Trusted Medical Sites
Mayo Clinic
A website that provides disease symptoms and treatment information.
Genetic & Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
GARD provides the public with access to current, reliable, and easy-to-understand information about rare or genetic diseases in English or Spanish.
Support Organizations
Support organizations can provide help and guidance in areas such as peer matching, education and training, and therapy and counseling.
Disease Resources
Resources can help guide your quest for factual and reliable information.
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The Progeria Handbook; A Guide for Families and Health Care Providers of Children with Progeria.
This 100-page handbook helps answer many questions for children with Progeria about how to optimize quality of life through daily care and medical treatment. Contains basic health facts,daily care recommendations and extensive treatment guidelines.
AAMDSIF Online Academy (webinars)
200+ FREE webinars for patients, families and caregivers about rare blood cancers and bone marrow failure diseases.
Educational Resources
Publications, links to patient conferences and webinars
Disease Information
Descriptions of various rare blood cancers and bone marrow failure diseases.