Muscular Dystrophy and Social Security Disability Benefits
Muscular dystrophy is a condition that affects the muscles, causing weakness, lack of coordination, and a variety of other disabling effects. It is acquired through an inherited gene, a genetic mutation that was passed down from birth parents. The type of muscular dystrophy seen more often is believed to be linked to a genetic lack of dystrophin, an integral muscle protein.
Muscular dystrophy causes muscles to become weaker with time, due to a gradual breakdown of the muscle fibers. Many different muscles in the body can be damaged as a result of muscular dystrophy, including the heart muscle. There are several different type of this disease, the most common of which are believed to be caused by a muscle protein deficiency. There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy.
The effects of muscular dystrophy can be extremely debilitating and will depend on the type of muscular dystrophy. Because this condition affects strength and coordination, many muscular dystrophy patients will need some type of assisted mobility device to get around. Signs and symptoms that can cause life disruption include:
- Muscle damage
- Frequent falls
- Loss of mobility
- Difficulty raising or sitting/laying
- Abnormal gait
- Mental retardation
- Inability to complete precise movements (such as writing or typing)
- Cardiac complaints
- Curvature of the spine
- Weakening of the head, neck and facial muscles
- Stiffness/inability to relax muscles
- Breathing or swallowing complications
- Fatigue
- Fainting/dizziness
- Constipation or diarrhea due to weakening of the muscles in the digestive tract
- Pregnancy or birth complications due to weakening of the uterine muscles
- Insomnia/sleep disorders
- Cataracts
- Joint deformities
Muscular Dystrophy Treatments
Treatment for muscular dystrophy focuses on enhancing a patient’s quality of life and minimizing the negative effects on the body. Physicians, surgeons, rehabilitation specialist, and other care plan professionals often combine treatments to improve mobility and prevent muscle degeneration. Medication, surgery, physical therapy, and assistive living methods help many patients improve flexibility and range of motion, and adapt to life with muscular dystrophy. Gene therapy research is currently being conducted to identify possible methods for haling the progression of the disease.
For more information on muscular dystrophy, please visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. At The Cochran Firm, our knowledgeable and compassionate Social Security disability lawyers understand the challenges you face. If your family is affected by muscular dystrophy, let our team help you get the Social Security disability benefits you need. Please contact our disability lawyers today and we will provide you a complimentary legal consultation to review your case. The Cochran Firm does not charge a fee unless you win your disability benefits.
The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. We have over twenty offices located in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Ohio, Mississippi, Maryland, California, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free Social Security disability case consultation.
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