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What Is Progressive Muscular Atrophy?

Progressive muscular atrophy is an inherited form of motor neuron disease. It affects the lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. It is also a progressive disease that causes muscles to atrophy over time.

Symptoms

The symptoms of progressive muscular atrophy include the following:

  • Weakness in the hands that spreads into the lower body
  • Muscle wasting
  • Twitching and muscle cramps

This condition largely affects men and begins earlier in life than other motor neuron disorders.

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