Nemaline Myopathy

Oct. 26, 2024

Recently, the Chief Justice of India during a national consultation on children's rights, discussed about nemaline myopathy, a genetic condition affecting his foster daughters.

About Nemaline Myopathy:

  • It is a rare genetic muscle disorder characterised by the presence of thread-like structures within muscle fibres affecting mobility and functionality.
  • It is also known as rod myopathy, is a rare congenital disorder that weakens the skeletal muscles.
  • This condition is hereditary, stemming from genetic mutations that impact muscle proteins.
  • It is found in approximately 1 in every 50,000 births.
  • The disorder can vary in severity, ranging from mild cases with minimal impact on daily life to more severe forms that lead to substantial muscle weakness, requiring significant medical intervention.
  • Symptoms
    • Muscle weakness in the face, neck, and trunk, along with difficulties in feeding, breathing, and sometimes deformities.
    • Affected individuals may also experience foot deformities, abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and joint deformities (contractures).
  • Treatment: There is no cure for this Currently, treatment for nemaline myopathy is largely symptomatic and focuses on supportive care, including physiotherapy and muscle strengthening exercises.