Although the disease progresses and there is no known cure, the exact course of SMA is very different in each child. It will be best to connect parents with current information, medical and supportive resources that can assist them in understanding the disease and how to care for their child. There are several classifications of SMA, of which the ages, signs and symptoms may overlap. Type I or Infantile SMA, also called Werdnig-Hoffman Disease, is the most severe form. A child may be symptomatic at birth and the diagnosis is made in the first year of life.
Normal reflexes are absent.
Progressive floppiness of muscles, arms and legs, thin muscle mass and generalized weakness is seen. Intelligence is normal. These children have fewer feeding and breathing problems. Type III SMA is the mildest form. It is also known as Kugelberg Welander Disease.