Progressive muscular atrophy: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Progressive muscular atrophy | |||
| image = [[File:Internal_medicine;_a_work_for_the_practicing_physician_on_diagnosis_and_treatment,_with_a_complete_Desk_index_(1920)_(14598402017).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Illustration from a 1920 medical text | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Muscle weakness]], [[muscle atrophy]], [[fasciculations]] | |||
| onset = Typically between ages 30 and 50 | |||
| duration = Progressive | |||
| causes = [[Genetic]] factors, [[sporadic]] | |||
| risks = Family history of [[motor neuron disease]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical examination]], [[Electromyography|EMG]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]], [[spinal muscular atrophy]], [[multifocal motor neuropathy]] | |||
| treatment = [[Supportive care]], [[physical therapy]], [[occupational therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, generally progressive | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Progressive Muscular Atrophy''' ('''PMA''') is a rare subtype of [[Motor neuron disease]] that primarily affects the lower motor neurons. This condition is characterized by weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations, and is a variant of [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. | '''Progressive Muscular Atrophy''' ('''PMA''') is a rare subtype of [[Motor neuron disease]] that primarily affects the lower motor neurons. This condition is characterized by weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations, and is a variant of [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of PMA are similar to those of ALS, but typically progress more slowly. They include: | The symptoms of PMA are similar to those of ALS, but typically progress more slowly. They include: | ||
| Line 8: | Line 24: | ||
* Difficulty with speech and swallowing | * Difficulty with speech and swallowing | ||
* Breathing problems | * Breathing problems | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of PMA is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some researchers believe that it may be a variant of ALS. | The exact cause of PMA is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some researchers believe that it may be a variant of ALS. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of PMA can be challenging, as its symptoms are similar to those of other motor neuron diseases. It is often diagnosed based on the presence of lower motor neuron symptoms without upper motor neuron signs. Diagnostic tests may include: | Diagnosis of PMA can be challenging, as its symptoms are similar to those of other motor neuron diseases. It is often diagnosed based on the presence of lower motor neuron symptoms without upper motor neuron signs. Diagnostic tests may include: | ||
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* Blood tests | * Blood tests | ||
* Genetic testing | * Genetic testing | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
There is currently no cure for PMA, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include: | There is currently no cure for PMA, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include: | ||
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* Medications to manage symptoms | * Medications to manage symptoms | ||
* Supportive care | * Supportive care | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for individuals with PMA varies. Some people may live for many years with the disease, while others may experience a more rapid progression of symptoms. | The prognosis for individuals with PMA varies. Some people may live for many years with the disease, while others may experience a more rapid progression of symptoms. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Motor neuron disease]] | * [[Motor neuron disease]] | ||
* [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] | * [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] | ||
* [[Spinal muscular atrophy]] | * [[Spinal muscular atrophy]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Rare diseases]] | [[Category:Rare diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Motor neuron diseases]] | [[Category:Motor neuron diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:10, 6 April 2025

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| Progressive muscular atrophy | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, fasciculations |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Typically between ages 30 and 50 |
| Duration | Progressive |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic factors, sporadic |
| Risks | Family history of motor neuron disease |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, EMG, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, multifocal motor neuropathy |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Supportive care, physical therapy, occupational therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, generally progressive |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) is a rare subtype of Motor neuron disease that primarily affects the lower motor neurons. This condition is characterized by weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations, and is a variant of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of PMA are similar to those of ALS, but typically progress more slowly. They include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle atrophy
- Fasciculations (muscle twitching)
- Difficulty with speech and swallowing
- Breathing problems
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of PMA is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some researchers believe that it may be a variant of ALS.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of PMA can be challenging, as its symptoms are similar to those of other motor neuron diseases. It is often diagnosed based on the presence of lower motor neuron symptoms without upper motor neuron signs. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Blood tests
- Genetic testing
Treatment[edit]
There is currently no cure for PMA, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medications to manage symptoms
- Supportive care
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with PMA varies. Some people may live for many years with the disease, while others may experience a more rapid progression of symptoms.


