Question: The problem started out as some weakness in upper extremities. Then tenderness near ear canal, right side, below sideburn (vicinity of accessory nerve). Next day weakness increased and pain is focused primarily in neck area. The next day isolated pain is gone and overall throbbing, stiffness and pain is radiating in area of shoulders and neck, both sides, but primarily on right. Pain is intense for about 7 days. Pain subsides and weakness increases. After 2 weeks an upper respiratory problem, similar to sinus infection started but improved after one week. After 10 weeks the paralysis keeps getting more pronounced on right side trapezius shoulder region. I can’t lift arm straight out. Weakness increasing on left side. MRI has shown no structural problems (spine, etc.). There have been several periods of high pitch ringing in ears and prolonged periods of migraine headache. I have been trying for 6 weeks to see a neurologist. What is the possible diagnosis?
Answer: In a general sense, what you could be suffering from, is, myopathy.
- Is this the first episode? Or there have been instances of weaknesses in the past?
- Are you on any medication?
- Is there a family history?
- Do you have any other medical problems?
Muscular dystrophy is classified as inherited and acquired.
Origin:
- The disorder may be restricted to the muscle (trapezius).
- Or, involve other organ systems.
Clinical features:
- Loss of muscle strength, usually bilateral.
- Muscle wasting.
- Progression over several years.
- A family history.
Muscular Dystrophy Types And Symptoms
Muscular dystrophy is a hereditary disorder which is characterized by progressive degeneration of group of muscles.
The wasting and weakness of muscles are similar. There is no loss of sensation. There are several types of muscular dystrophy, but most commonly encountered are
- Duchenne type: it is transmitted by sex linked recessive gene, it occurs exclusively in males. The disease appears between 1 to 3 yrs in a male child. The pelvis muscles are affected first and then it transcends to shoulder group of muscles. The affected muscles of calf, buttocks, thighs and shoulders are larger than normal and weak. Due to weakness the child walks clumsily with tilting his body side to side. When rising he has to roll on his face and with the help of his arms, he lifts himself up. These children live a short life; they usually die by the middle of second decade of their life.
- Limb girdle type: this affects both the sexes; it usually appears at the age of 20 to 30 yrs. The symptoms are similar, inability to move shoulder and legs due to weakness of muscles. There is drooping of eye lid, breathing difficulty, and heart muscle involvement. They live a short life till middle age.
- Facio-scapulo-humeral type: the inherited genes affects both male and female, and several sibling are affected. It can appear at any age. Weakness is noticed first in facial muscles and then in shoulder joint. The disease progresses very slowly, and the person live for a long time.
Treatment For Muscular Dystrophy
- There is no specific treatment known, but physiotherapy, yoga, orthopedic splints may counteract deformities and contractures.
- Patient should undergo regular physiotherapy exercise throughout his life.It helps prevent deformities and helps in joint mobilizing exercises.
- Avoid saturated fats, use of organic food is advised.
- Sea food especially vegetables are preferred; cereals, legumes, fruits with vitamin C and b-complex will be effective.
- Hydrotherapy is useful for movement of joints, which is important to relieve him from contractures.
- Most of the common types pursue a gradual course leading to severe muscle weakness. In selected cases, treatment has to be done along the lines of paralysis.
- Supportive muscular dystrophy treatment is the key to the management. The paralytic limb should be supported by splints, to prevent development of contractures.
- All the limbs should be moved through their full range of movements, several times a day.
- Muscle pain should be eased using hot packs.
- Homoeopathic medicine gelsemium has a wonderful beneficial effect on muscle.
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My condition was diagnosed as Parsonage Turner Syndrome. It was most likely brought on by using the anti-biotic: Levaquin.