There are two forms. Werdbug - Hoffman form which is present at birth giving the sufferer a very limited life span. Kugelberg - Wellander form which develops later in life and is not as severe. Spinal Muscles Atrophy is characterised by progressive scoliosis. Treatment is similar to Duchenne Muscular Dytrophy except that fusion may be needed earlier.
Patients exhibit symmetric paresis.
The lower extremity and proximal muscles being the most commonly involved. This is a rare disease caused by demyelisation following a viral infection. Patients suffer symmetric ascending motor paresis. C.S.F. protein is usually elevated. The disease is usually self-limited.