What is the difference between cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy

Regarding walking in cerebral palsy, it is known that most children lose the ability to walk around puberty, mainly because of a so-called crouched gait as a consequence of a combination of factors including growth, weight gain, contractures, and paresis.

In our case, the boy lost the ability to walk already at the age of 7 years, which was not due to crouched gait but rather weakness, the most important clinical characteristic of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The presence of Duchenne muscular dystrophy might have influenced the development of seizures: A lack of dystrophin can theoretically result in a larger susceptibility for the development of seizures see Hendriksen et al 8.

The latter is clinically reflected by an increased prevalence of epilepsy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dp, Dp, Dp As particularly the absence of Dp and Dp71 might lead to increased neuronal excitability both by their own distinctive mechanisms , this specific mutation may result in an accumulated risk of hyperexitation. Although it seems far more likely that the epilepsy resulted from perinatal asphyxia, a combinational interplay between a predisposing dystrophin absence and a precipitating perinatal hypoxia could constitute a theoretical third explanation here.

In addition to epilepsy, cognitive problems are more often seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy as well and can, again, partly be clarified by a lack of several brain dystrophin isoforms, particularly Dp Furthermore, it has been proposed several times that distal mutations, such as in this case, could result in more profound cognitive deficits. Since both are unknown, the latter is unfortunately not possible. However, it is, as stated above, more plausible that the cognitive deficits result from the oxygen deprivation, as this is more often encountered in cerebral palsy.

This is the second case report on a patient who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a neuromuscular disorder yet the first who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Making a clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy and a concomitant neuromuscular disorder can be challenging, as signs from both disorders can overshadow each other. This term was introduced in and has recently been described in a population study of children with diverse neurological disorders with respect to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as comorbidity. In conclusion, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be comorbidities, although they are not necessarily based on the same underlying pathology.

Because Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy share clinical features, the diagnosis of each can be hampered. In line with the proposal of Ciafaloni and colleagues, 12 this case report illustrates the importance of creatine kinase screening in boys with unexplained developmental delay, as the increased creatine kinase levels, as part of general blood, prompted further analysis.

Furthermore, as this case report also demonstrates, such creatine kinase screening preferably in the first weeks of life is highly indicated in infant boys who are born to a theoretical carrier of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, even if the probability of carriage is minor ie, less than ten percent. Next to that, it underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, as this approach allowed a timely diagnosis, despite the fact that Duchenne muscular dystrophy was initially barely visible.

It is of vital importance to diagnose a concomitant disorder such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy next to cerebral palsy, since this affects not only therapeutic aspects such as timely initiation of corticosteroid therapy but also timely beginning of genetic counseling. Additionally, the prognosis of the diseases is different, and the health-related quality of life appears to be differently affected in both children with cerebral palsy and boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Although this triad rarely occurs, it shows that every child with cerebral palsy, either with an atypical course or with inexplicable laboratory values, should be subjected to additional investigations for possible comorbidities that might be overshadowed. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U.

Journal List Child Neurol Open v. Child Neurol Open. Published online Apr Ruben G. Hendriksen , BSc, 1 Marlien W. Hendriksen , PhD, 1, 3 Christine E. Vles , MD, PhD 1, 3. Marlien W. Jos G. Christine E. Johan S. Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer. Corresponding author. Debyelaan 25, P. Email: moc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Cerebral Palsy vs. Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy. Additionally, as breathing functions start to weaken, a ventilator may be necessary for breathing support. For the weakening of cardiac functions, medications like corticosteroids, ACE-inhibitors, and beta-blockers will be prescribed. Muscular dystrophy is genetic and caused by a deletion in the DNA sequence that codes for the production of dystrophin, a protein that protects muscles.

Cerebral palsy is static the brain damage will not worsen over time and muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle degradation worsens with increasing age. Luckily, thanks to advances in healthcare and medicine, muscle functions in individuals with muscular dystrophy are being prolonged, which is leading to longer life expectancies. Hopefully, this article helped you understand the primary distinctions between these two conditions. It motivates him to do his exercises.

It does not seem like therapy for him since it is fun. It monitors his progress so it is a great reinforcement for him. Music is a motivator for him. He has been using it on his arm and we will try the leg exercises soon.

FitMi works by motivating high repetition of therapeutic exercises while playing an engaging game. This gamification has been particularly great for motivating individuals with cerebral palsy to recover. Neurological Recovery Blog. Support Group on Facebook. FitMi Full-Body Therapy. Some people have intellectual disabilities, but others do not. Epilepsy, blindness or deafness also might be present. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. There is no cure, but treatments can help improve function.

Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary greatly from person to person. Cerebral palsy can affect the whole body, or it might be limited primarily to one or two limbs, or one side of the body. Generally, signs and symptoms include problems with movement and coordination, speech and eating, development, and other problems. The brain disorder causing cerebral palsy doesn't change with time, so the symptoms usually don't worsen with age.

However, as the child gets older, some symptoms might become more or less apparent. And muscle shortening and muscle rigidity can worsen if not treated aggressively.

It's important to get a prompt diagnosis for a movement disorder or delays in your child's development. See your child's doctor if you have concerns about episodes of loss of awareness of surroundings or of unusual bodily movements or muscle tone, impaired coordination, swallowing difficulties, eye muscle imbalance, or other developmental issues.

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. This usually happens before a child is born, but it can occur at birth or in early infancy. In many cases, the cause isn't known.

Many factors can lead to problems with brain development. Some include:. Certain infections or toxic exposures during pregnancy can significantly increase cerebral palsy risk to the baby. Inflammation triggered by infection or fever can damage the unborn baby's developing brain. While the potential contribution from each is limited, additional pregnancy or birth factors associated with increased cerebral palsy risk include:.