What are the early signs of spinal muscular atrophy?

Symptoms of SMA may include:

• muscle weakness and decreased muscle tone.
• limited mobility.
• breathing problems.
• problems eating and swallowing.
• delayed gross motor skills.
• spontaneous tongue movements.
• scoliosis (curvature of the spine)

Can spinal muscle atrophy be reversed?

It’s not currently possible to cure spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but research is ongoing to find new treatments. Treatment and support is available to manage the symptoms and help people with the condition have the best possible quality of life.

What is the life expectancy of someone with spinal muscular atrophy?

Outlook / Prognosis Infants with type 1 SMA usually die before their second birthday. Children with type 2 or type 3 SMA may live full lives depending on the severity of symptoms. People who develop SMA during adulthood (type 4) often remain active and enjoy a normal life expectancy.

Can adults get SMA?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited disease that affects nerves and muscles, causing muscles to become increasingly weak. It mostly affects infants and children but can also develop in adults. Symptoms and prognosis vary depending on SMA type. Gene replacement and disease-modifying therapies offer hope.

What causes Kennedy’s disease?

Kennedy’s disease is caused by a genetic mutation of the androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome. Since the disease is recessive, the presence of the normal gene on the other X chromosome means that girls don’t develop the symptoms of disease, because the normal gene overrides the mutated one.

Who is at risk for SMA?

About 1 in 40 to 1 in 60 people are carriers of SMA. If both parents are carriers, they have a 1-in-4 chance of having a child with SMA. About 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 children are born with SMA.

How long do people with spinal muscular atrophy live?

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Life Expectancy. In extremely severe cases, the life expectancy ranges from six months to five years. Moderate cases of the disease have a life expectancy of 20 years to 30 years. Patients suffering from types II and III SMA generally have normal life expectancy.

What diseases cause muscle atrophy?

Burns

What disease causes muscles to degenerate and atrophy?

Neurogenic atrophy is the result of injuries or diseases of the nerves that supply muscles. Diseases such as poliomyelitis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myotonic dystrophy and muscular dystrophy are common causes for neurogenic muscle atrophy.

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