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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

IN ADULTS

Is one of your teenager or adult patients reporting muscle weakness or disability?

The characters shown are real patients and the required consent to use their stories has been obtained from the patients and families. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

RECOGNISING SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF
SMA IN ADULTS

Less severe forms of SMA can emerge and be diagnosed in adulthood.1,2 Compared to childhood SMA, adult SMA may have milder symptoms, but is still progressive. Compared to SMA in childhood, the course of SMA in adults can be more insidious and difficult to recognise.3

stethoscope

This is why it is crucial to know how to identify the main signs and symptoms: if you suspect SMA in one of your patients, refer them to a specialist.

In the image below, you can explore the signs and symptoms that are typically appearing in people living with SMA.

REDUCED BREATHING ABILITY

HYPOTONIA

  • e.g. difficulty in raising the arms above the head

SCOLIOSIS

PROXIMAL MUSCLE WEAKNESS,

  • especially in hips & shoulders

HYPOTONIA

  • e.g. difficulty running or climbing stairs
Hover on hotspots to learn more
Adapted from Montes J, 20201

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THIS IS THE CHECKLIST OF THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
ORGANISED AROUND THE DOMAIN THEY AFFECT:

CARDINAL MOTOR SYMPTOMS1,4

BONE SYMPTOMS1,4

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS1,5

GENERAL SYMPTOMS1,5

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Signs and Symptoms in Children

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The characters shown are real patients and the required consent to use their stories has been obtained from the patients and families. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

References

1. Montes J. Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Adults. [online] [cited 2020 Nov 30]. Available from: URL: https://neuropt.org/docs/degenerative-diseases-sig/spinal-muscular-atrophy-in-adults.pdf?sfvrsn=8d2aae96_2.

2. Juntas Morales R, Pageot N, Taieb G, Camu W. Adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy : An update. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2017;173(5):308-19.

3. Wang CH, Finkel RS, Bertini ES, et al. Consensus statement for standard of care in spinal muscular atrophy. J Child Neurol 2007;22(8):1027-49.

4. Arnold WD, et al. Muscle Nerve. 2015;51(2):157-67.

5. Wijngaarde CA, et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2020;15(1):88.