Guide To Spinal Muscular Atrophy Types And Treatment

Type 4

Spinal muscular atrophy type 4 is the adult-onset form of this condition. The symptoms begin in an individual's late teenage years, but before they reach twenty years old. Symptoms are noticed when individuals are in their twenties and thirties. Most patients are diagnosed between thirty-five and forty years old. A patient's genes are why they do not experience symptoms as children. Patients with this form of the condition have either four or six copies of the SMN2 gene. This gene compensates for the mutations that cause this condition in younger patients.

The gene is also why patients with this form have milder symptoms than those with another form. Patients start to experience mild weakness in their hip and leg muscles. This will move to their arms and shoulders over time. However, this form of the condition has a range of effects. Many patients walk short distances but require mobility aids. Others need a wheelchair because they lose their ability to walk!

Continue reading to reveal treatments for this condition now.