Spinal muscle atrophy is a disease that affects the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system and causes muscle weakness. People can be affected by different types of spinal muscle atrophy. SMA can vary in severity and affect people in their adulthood. Let us take a look into the different types of spinal muscle atrophy and their symptoms.

1. Type 1 (Severe)
Also known as the Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease, this type of Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is the most severe and common than the others. This type of SMA can be found in kids. The symptoms of the disease include weak trunk movements, limited ability to move. Children diagnosed with this type of SMA experience difficulty in chewing and swallowing food, keeping their head up, and breathing. Some kids with SMA Type 1 do not have the mobility or ability to even sit. Their muscles begin to weaken over time, which leads to respiratory infections and, ultimately, death by the age of 2.

2. Type 2 (Intermediate)
Type 2 Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is the intermediate level and is evident among children between the ages of 7 and 18 months. This type of disease focuses on the child’s legs more rather than their arms. However, the severity of this disease can vary between children. It affects the child so severely that the child may never be able to walk. Respiratory infections are common with the disease. This genetic disorder shortens the life expectancy, but some kids grow through adulthood. This also depends on the condition of the patient and the disorder.

3. Type 3 (Mild)
Type 3 Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is mild and can be found in children. However, this type of SMA has a wide range and can appear in the first 18 months of childbirth or even early adulthood. This is also known as the Juvenile Spinal Muscular Atrophy or the Kugelberg-Welander Disease. Due to the mild nature, it rarely impairs the child’s walking ability. However, their impairment is usually seen in the disability to sit or stand from a still position. Inability to breathe freely may lead to respiratory infections later in life. In this type of SMA, the child can assume an almost normal life expectancy.

4. Type 4 (Adult)
Type 4 Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is usually diagnosed and identified in 20s and 30s. If you suffer from Type 4 disease or may know someone who unfortunately does, you should know that this type does hinder the ability to walk throughout adulthood. However, the patient’s muscles may begin to weaken progressively and symptoms of SMA may gradually be experienced with time.

If you or someone you know suffers from or is suspected to have any one of the different types of spinal muscle atrophy mentioned above, it is recommended to visit a doctor at the earliest. This will help rule out any complications.