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SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

IN ADULTS

“The first time that I felt that something wrong I was maybe thirteen, back in the days when I used to play hockey. I knew that I could play better than everybody because I was watching. I know that I can skate, but they wanted somebody who can skate down, fast, up and I couldn’t do that. Right there I was - maybe there’s something wrong.”

- Samuel

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

Have you experienced muscle weakness? 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 are in doubt, ask your doctor.

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

REDUCED BREATHING ABILITY

LOSS OF MUSCLE TONE

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

SCOLIOSIS

  • curving of the spine

WEAKNESS OF THE UPPER ARMS AND UPPER LEGS

  • especially in hips & shoulders

LOSS OF MUSCLE TONE

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

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

“When I got the diagnosis, I was 16, going on my 17, I took it pretty good because it was putting a name on what I had.”

by Samuel

A lot has changed in the management of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Ask your doctor for a special referral today.

How to get diagnosed
SMA Care for Adults

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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://www.neuropt.org/docs/degenerative-diseases-sig/spinalmuscular-atrophy-in-adults.pdf?sfvrsn=8d2aae96_2.

2. Juntas Morales R, Pageot N, Taieb G, Camu W. Adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy : and 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.