Spinal muscular atrophy is most commonly seen in young children and babies. It causes the nerve cells of the spinal cord and the brain to break down, rendering the brain incapable of controlling the muscles and resulting in weak and shrunk muscles. The early warning signs of spinal muscular atrophy depend on the type of the condition.

• Type 1
  Type 1 is the most serious form of spinal muscular atrophy and affects babies. As it develops very early, it becomes almost impossible for the babies to sit or even move their heads without help. Their legs and arms become limp, and they become incapable of swallowing properly. If a child has this type of spinal muscular atrophy, it is extremely important to stay in touch with a team of medical professionals who can help build an emotional support system. Type 1 spinal muscular atrophy makes it difficult for babies to breathe as their muscles become very weak, and babies with this type of the condition hardly live over the age of 2 years.
• Type 2
  The early warning signs of type 2 spinal muscular atrophy is muscle weakness in children’s legs, but it can also affect their arms. Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy is more commonly diagnosed in children aged between 6 and 18 months. Children with this type of the condition can sit, stand, and walk with help. This type is also known as chronic infantile spinal muscular atrophy.
• Type 3
  Type 3 is the mildest one among all the types. If a child has type 3 spinal muscular atrophy, one may notice the early signs between the ages of 2 and 17 years. Children with this form of spinal muscular atrophy are mostly able to stand up on their own and might even be able to walk. However, if a child is finding it difficult to climb the stairs, run, or stand up from a sitting position, it may indicate this disease. Children with this condition often require a wheelchair to aid movement later in life.
• Type 4
  This type starts showing the early warning signs of spinal muscular atrophy in adults. It mainly affects the legs and the upper arms, and the symptoms of this type include twitching, muscle weakness, and breathing difficulties. With the help of a professional physical therapist, patients can exercise regularly to remain physically active or even improve the symptoms of the condition, but it cannot be cured. Also, this type of spinal muscular atrophy may affect people in a variety of ways.

If one notices the early warning signs of spinal muscular atrophy, they should immediately seek medical help so that they can learn how to manage the symptoms and lead a quality life with the condition.