Spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy is one of the most common causes of disability in childhood. It is manifested by progressive muscle weakness secondary to a disorder affecting the lower motor neuron. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner (chromosome 5). Genetic counseling is available.

Three clinical forms are described depending on the age of onset:

• before 6 months
• between 6 and 18 months
• adult form: around 30 years of age