Problem
Progressive muscular atrophy
Other Names:
Aran-Duchenne muscular atrophyAdult spinal muscular atrophy
Nature:
Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), also called Duchenne–Aran disease and Duchenne–Aran muscular atrophy, is a disorder characterised by the degeneration of lower motor neurons, resulting in generalised, progressive loss of muscle function.
PMA is classified among motor neuron diseases (MND) where it is thought to account for around 4% of all MND cases.
PMA affects only the lower motor neurons, in contrast to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common MND, which affects both the upper and lower motor neurons, or primary lateral sclerosis, another MND, which affects only the upper motor neurons. The distinction is important because PMA is associated with a better prognosis than ALS.
Broader Problems:
SpasticitySpinal muscular atrophyMotor neurone diseases Related Problems:
Progressive bulbar palsyProgressive pseudo bulbar palsy Subject(s):
Medicine → Muscular systemMedicine → Pathology
Medicine → Skeletal system
Society → Adults
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
06.05.2019 – 15:27 CEST