Spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) is a condition that affects the motor neurons and the central nervous system is gravely affected. As a result, it causes disrupted movement of several muscles. There are several types of spinal muscle atrophy, which cause immobility or difficulty of movement. While some individuals have trouble in partial limb movements, others might be unable to move without proper assistance. The condition has been reported among children at the time of birth.

Types of SMA and their treatments include the following:

1. Spinal Muscle Atrophy Type 1 or Werdnig-Hoffmann disease
The condition is diagnosed among children younger than 6 months of age. Although this condition can be diagnosed in the latter stages of the pregnancy when the fetus is developed, most cases are reported after birth.

Symptoms can include:

• Recurring twitching movements
• Difficulty in swallowing food
• Breathing problems
• Improper movement of the limb or head
• Visible curving of the spine

Treatments for spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) needs to be studied in-depth to understand what causes it and how to completely eradicate and cure it. However, treatments that involve disease-modifying therapy (DMT), can help regain control and movement of limbs.

2. Spinal Muscle Atrophy 2
This particular type of spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) affects children who are older than 6 months but less than one and a half years old. Where some children might have difficulty sitting, others may be able to sit but not move independently.

Symptoms can include:

• The most persistent symptom is difficulty in the movement of the limbs
• Difficulty in breathing, if persistent, might reduce the lifespan of an individual

Treatments doctors might suggest include preliminary treatments to relieve the symptoms. DMTs are highly recommended and implemented to increase life expectancy.

3. Spinal Muscle Atrophy 3 or Kugelberg-Welander disease
Among the various types of spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), SMA 3 is less aggressive. Affecting children above 18 months of age, the condition allows one to have a nearly normal life. However, several difficulties may require thorough attention and treatment for complete normalcy. People suffering from SMA 3 might also be more prone to respiratory infections.

Symptoms can include:

• Muscle twitching
• Contractions
• Sudden cramps that recur, especially while indulging in sports such as running and swimming
• Feeling of muscle locking while standing up after a long duration of sitting

Treatments like DMT are used to avoid the symptoms at large.

Besides children, a certain type of spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) also affects adults. The symptoms are usually visible after 21 years of age. The symptoms are mostly mild and can be ignored for a prolonged period. However, in severe cases, thorough treatments can help individuals permanently.