Spinal Muscular Atrophia in Babies and Adult
SMA types 1, 2, and 3 are the most common in children. The genetic defects begin to appear during pregnancy, causing breathing difficulties in the fetus. SMA-induced muscle weakness and wasting makes life difficult for newborns. If someone in the child’s family has this disorder, then that child is more likely to develop spinal muscular atrophy. SMA symptoms are different for each child, and depend on their severity and age. Newborns with spinal muscle atrophy have heart and joint defects. Hypoventilation and breathing issues can also cause babies to die within six months.
The child’s development is deficient as they grow, and the gross motor skills are not developed to their full potential. Infants have difficulty sucking, holding their heads up, eating, and swallowing food. Infants with SMA are unable to move much as their muscles weaken. Muscle tone is also reduced in the muscles of chest. The tongue of children with SMA moves in a worm-like manner. Children between 6 months and 18 month olds suffer from muscle weakness. Children can be fitted with a walker or wheelchair, and they will survive into adulthood.
The children will show mild muscle weakness between the ages 2-17. They may also have clumsiness and delayed motor development. Parents need to be aware of the symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy in their children. It can be more difficult to diagnose spinal muscular atrophy in children. It is important that parents inform their doctor about any abnormalities in the child’s growth so they can make a more accurate diagnosis.
The fourth type of spinal muscle atrophy usually begins in early adulthood. Adults rarely suffer from spinal muscular atrophy, and symptoms are milder than those of babies. Spinal muscular atrophy is accompanied by mild breathing difficulties, moderate muscle weakness and hand tremors. Adults have a normal life expectancy, but a complete cure is not possible. Adults can manage SMA symptoms with the help of assistive equipment and proactive clinical care. The children have difficulty walking due to the twitching and shaking of their muscles. As patients age, they may have difficulty breathing or swallowing. However, this does not affect their life expectancy.
