How Does SMA Type Influence Symptoms and Daily Life?
SMA type can influence symptoms, age of onset, physical milestones, and the level of support a person may need. Traditionally, SMA has been described by different types based on when symptoms begin and the highest motor milestone a person reaches. SMA types are classified by average age of onset and severity of symptoms, which helps show why Spinal Muscular Atrophy can look very different from person to person.
SMA Type 1 often begins in infancy and can involve severe muscle weakness, difficulty sitting independently, feeding challenges, breathing concerns, and the need for early medical support. SMA Type 2 is usually diagnosed after six months of age but before two years old; individuals with Type 2 can typically sit without help but historically are unable to walk and may require a wheelchair. SMA Type 3 often appears later in childhood and may affect walking, running, climbing stairs, rising from a chair, fatigue, balance, and long-term mobility. Type 4 generally begins in adulthood and is often milder, but it can still cause progressive weakness and daily challenges. SMA damages motor neurons, causing muscles to weaken and waste away over time, which can affect speaking, walking, swallowing, and breathing.
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