Spinal Muscular Atrophy | Mechanism & Presentation

The video explains spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), focusing on the progressive death of alpha motor neurons due to the deletion of the SMN gene. It describes the role of alpha motor neurons in muscle contraction and the consequences of their death, leading to muscle atrophy. The video compares SMA with other motor neuron diseases and peripheral nerve conditions, highlighting the lack of sensory changes in SMA. It also discusses the hereditary nature of SMA, its symptoms, and the different types based on onset age.

Discuss the hereditary nature of spinal muscular atrophy and its types.

What are the implications of alpha motor neuron death on muscle function?

How does the atrophy of skeletal muscle occur in spinal muscular atrophy?

What neurological signs would you expect to find in a patient with spinal muscular atrophy?