Kennedy disease treatment with conservative medications

Kennedy disease (spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy or SBMA) is a rare genetic disease that weakens muscles and affects the nervous system due to a gene mutation. This mutation harms motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. Though there's no cure for Kennedy's disease, treatments and medications can help with symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. These include:Muscle relaxants, such as baclofen and tizanidine, lessen muscle stiffness and spasms. Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen) ease pain from muscle cramps and stiffness. Antidepressants help with mood and alleviate depression or anxiety caused by the condition. When Kennedy's disease is suspected, a neurologist will assess the patient and conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis. The healthcare team then creates a personalized treatment plan that may involve medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. By following this plan, patients with Kennedy disease can experience better symptom management, including reduced muscle cramps, stiffness, pain, and spasms. Also, they get slower disease progression, maintenance or enhanced function, mobility, and independence. Emotional support and coping strategies from counseling or support groups are also used. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can be added to the treatments to maintain muscle strength and flexibility and improve communication and swallowing.