Spinal muscular atrophy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Superficial anterior muscles

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Spinal muscular atrophy

Alternative Names:

Werdnig-Hoffmann disease

Treatment:

There is no treatment for the progressive weakness caused by the disease. Supportive care is important. Attention must be paid to the respiratory system, because affected people have difficulty clearing secretions. Respiratory complications are common.

Physiotherapy is important to prevent contractures and scoliosis. Bracing may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The most severe form of spinal muscular atrophy is fatal early on. The less severe form is compatible with a longer lifespan. However, progressive weakness and debility are present in all forms.

Complications:

Contractures
Scoliosis
Respiratory infections
Aspiration

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child appears weak, has difficulty feeding, or develops any other symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy. Breathing difficulty can rapidly become an emergency condition.

Review Date: 8/1/2004
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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