SMA Type 2
SMA affects motor neurons in the spinal cord, eventually leading to severe disability... Source: www.nhs.uk There are several different types of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – the disease is classified according to the age at which symptoms develop and how severe they are. |
In general, SMA affects a person’s physical abilities, such as moving, walking and breathing, but does not affect their mental development.
It causes the muscles throughout the body to become weak and shrink (atrophy), with the muscles closest to the centre of the body, such as the shoulders, hips and back (proximal muscles), usually affected first.
Type 2
Type II SMA usually develops when an infant is 6–18 months old. The symptoms are less severe than Type I, but usually get worse over time.
Infants with Type II SMA are usually able to sit, but not stand or walk unaided. They may also have the following symptoms:
In some cases, deformities of the hands, feet, chest, and joints develop as the muscles shrink.
As they grow, many children with Type II SMA develop scoliosis. This is an abnormal curvature of the spine which occurs when the muscles supporting the bones of the spine become weaker.
Like Type I SMA, there is a high risk of fatal respiratory problems, although most people with Type II SMA live into their teenage years or early adulthood.
It causes the muscles throughout the body to become weak and shrink (atrophy), with the muscles closest to the centre of the body, such as the shoulders, hips and back (proximal muscles), usually affected first.
Type 2
Type II SMA usually develops when an infant is 6–18 months old. The symptoms are less severe than Type I, but usually get worse over time.
Infants with Type II SMA are usually able to sit, but not stand or walk unaided. They may also have the following symptoms:
- breathing problems
- floppy arms and legs
- twitching of the muscles in the arms, legs or tongue
In some cases, deformities of the hands, feet, chest, and joints develop as the muscles shrink.
As they grow, many children with Type II SMA develop scoliosis. This is an abnormal curvature of the spine which occurs when the muscles supporting the bones of the spine become weaker.
Like Type I SMA, there is a high risk of fatal respiratory problems, although most people with Type II SMA live into their teenage years or early adulthood.