Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy Causes
Progressive spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive condition caused by progressive deterioration of motor neurons in the spinal cord causing damage to nerve cells resulting to muscle atrophy.
Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy Definition
Progressive spinal muscular atrophy is a disease marked by progressive degeneration of motor neurons located in the spinal cord, which causes weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles.
Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy Diagnosis
Muscle biopsy involves taking a muscle sample for examination with the aim to determine and confirm diagnosis of progressive spinal muscular atrophy. Electromyogram measures the muscle's electrical activity; abnormal electrical muscle activity caused by diseases and neuromuscular conditions can be distinguished by Electromyogram.
Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy Symptoms and Signs
Weakness and wasting of voluntary muscles is more severe in the legs compared to the arms. Because of the atrophied muscles in the parts closest to the body, there is great difficulty experienced in walking, crawling, swallowing. There is also difficulty in controlling the head and neck. Babies suffering for progressive spinal muscular atrophy will have trouble in lifting the head, delayed or lack in normal development in combination with problems in swallowing, breathing, and eating. Due to non-activity muscles are expected to shrink in size causing more difficulty.
Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment
At present, there is still no specific treatment to heal damage to the nerve. Supportive care is managed with the help of physio and respiratory drainage.