What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal muscular atrophy is sometimes difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can resemble other conditions or medical problems. Each person may experience symptoms differently. There are four types of spinal muscular atrophy based on symptoms and age of onset. When diagnosed in childhood, the following symptoms may occur: • type II (intermediate form) This is the most severe type of SMA and may be present at birth. Infants have problems holding their head, sucking, feeding, swallowing, and typically move very little. The muscles of the chest are also affected. The motion of the tongue is described as having “worm-like” movements. Death results usually by the age of 2 to 3 years from breathing problems. • type I (Werdnig-Hoffman) This form of SMA is seen in children from 6 months to 2 years of age. They typically have generalized muscle weakness and may require braces, walkers, or a wheelchair for assistance. Life-expectancy may extend to the 20s and 30s. • type III (Wohlfart-Kugelberg-Welan
