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Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy - Treatment

Alternative Names

Landouzy-Dejerine muscular dystrophy

Treatment:

There is no known cure for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Treatments are given to control symptoms and improve the person's quality of life. Activity is encouraged. Inactivity such as bedrest can make the muscle disease worse. Physical therapy may help maintain muscle strength.

Expectations (prognosis):

Disability is often minor. Lifespan is usually not affected.

Complications:

Decreased mobility
Decreased ability to care for self
Deformities of the face and shoulders
Hearing loss
Vision loss (rare)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this condition develop.

Genetic counseling is recommended for couples with a family history of this condition who wish to have children.

Superficial anterior muscles

Reviewed last on: 3/9/2010
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Muscular dystrophies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 608.

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