Muscular Atrophy

Signature Health Services can help with the management and treatment of Muscular Atrophy.

Muscular Atrophy and How We Care for It

What is muscular atrophy?

Muscular atrophy is the progressive degradation of muscle tissue, which can occur for several reasons. It is often classified into two main types:

1

Disuse Atrophy – This type occurs when muscles are not used adequately, often due to prolonged inactivity, immobilization, or a sedentary lifestyle. It can affect anyone, including those recovering from surgery or bedridden patients.
2

Neurogenic Atrophy – This more severe form is caused by injury or disease affecting the nerves that connect to the muscles. Common conditions leading to neurogenic atrophy include spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The rate at which the muscles atrophy depends on factors such as age, fitness level, and the cause of the atrophy. If it results from disuse, it can begin within two to three weeks of muscle inactivity. Neurogenic muscle atrophy may develop even sooner, depending on the patient’s overall health condition.

Types of muscular atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a well-known example of neurogenic atrophy. This genetic disorder provokes the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. It is further categorized into several types based on the age of onset and severity:

Type 1 (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease) – The most severe form, appearing in infancy.
Type 2 – Intermediate severity, with symptoms typically arising in early childhood.
Type 3 (Kugelberg-Welander disease) – Milder symptoms, often beginning in late childhood or adolescence.
Type 4 – Adult-onset SMA with mild symptoms.

What causes muscle atrophy?

The cause depends on the specific type of the disease. Disuse muscular atrophy is caused by not using the muscles enough. If people stop using their muscles, their bodies won’t expend the energy needed to maintain them. Instead, the body will begin to break down the muscles, leading to a decrease in size and strength. Many factors can result in disuse muscular atrophy, such as:

A sedentary lifestyle
Malnutrition
Do not get enough exercise
Having a genetic disorder
Being bedridden
Age-related atrophy (sarcopenia)

On the other hand, neurogenic atrophy results from an injury or a disease that affects the nerves connecting to the muscles. When these nerves are damaged, they are unable to initiate the muscle contractions necessary for muscle activity. Consequently, when the muscles do not contract, the body assumes they are no longer needed and starts breaking them down. This process causes a reduction in muscle size and strength. Some diseases and other conditions can affect those nerves, including:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Polio
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Spinal cord injury

How is muscular atrophy diagnosed?

Several methods are utilized for diagnosing spinal muscular atrophy, such as:

Clinical Evaluation – Doctors assess muscle weakness, reflexes, and motor function to identify characteristic signs of SMA.
Electromyography (EMG) – This exam measures the electrical activity of muscles and helps differentiate between muscle and nerve disorders.
Genetic Testing – Spinal muscular atrophy genetic testing is crucial for confirming the diagnosis. It detects mutations in the SMN1 gene, which is responsible for the production of essential proteins for motor neuron survival.
Muscle Biopsy – It means taking a small sample of muscle tissue for microscopic examination.
MRI and CT Scans – Imaging techniques that help visualize muscle and nerve structures to identify abnormalities.

Risk factors for muscular atrophy

Several risk factors can increase the odds of developing muscular atrophy, such as:

Age – Older adults are more likely to experience muscle loss due to reduced physical activity and hormonal changes.
Genetics – Genetic disorders like SMA significantly raise the risk.
Inactivity – Prolonged immobilization or a sedentary lifestyle contributes to disuse atrophy.
Chronic Diseases – Conditions like ALS, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to neurogenic atrophy.
Malnutrition – Inadequate nutrition impairs muscle maintenance and repair.

What is the treatment of muscular atrophy?

The treatment aims to slow progression, improve muscle strength, and enhance quality of life. Restorative strategies may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity. Some of the most common options are:

Physical Therapy (PT) – Regular exercise and PT are vital for maintaining muscle strength and preventing further atrophy.
Meds – Specific medications can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Nutritional Support – A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals supports muscle health.
Surgical Interventions – In some severe cases, surgery may be required to correct deformities or improve mobility.
Assistive Devices – Braces, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices can aid in mobility and daily activities.
Emerging Therapies – Advances in medical research have led to the development of new therapies for muscular atrophy, including gene therapy.

Those medical innovations offer the potential for significant improvement in motor function and life expectancy. Progress in medical science can instill hope and optimism in individuals affected by muscular atrophy and their caregivers.

Can muscular atrophy be prevented?

Taking a proactive approach to maintain muscle health and mitigate risk factors includes the adoption of certain preventive measures, such as:

Exercise – Engaging in regular aerobic exercises and strength training helps preserve muscle mass.
Healthy Diet – Consuming a nutritious diet supports muscle maintenance and overall health.
Avoiding Prolonged Immobilization – Staying active and mobile, even during recovery periods, can prevent disuse atrophy.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions – A proper management of chronic diseases reduces the risk of neurogenic atrophy.
Genetic Counseling – It can provide valuable information on the risks and preventive measures for individuals with a family history of genetic spinal disorders.

How can skilled home nursing help patients with muscular atrophy?

Registered nurses provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s specific needs, offering reassurance and support to both the patient and their caregivers.

These professional healthcare providers can develop individualized care plans that include physical therapy exercises, nutritional guidance, and medication management. Registered nurses can also regularly monitor the patient’s condition, including muscle strength, mobility, and nutritional status. Whether dealing with progressive spinal atrophy or other forms of muscle wasting, a comprehensive approach to care can make a significant difference.

How much does muscular atrophy treatment cost in Houston, Texas?

Professional involvement in medical treatment costs depends on your health requirements and medical insurance particularities. However, a skilled nurse will always be prepared to meet the needs of a muscular atrophy patient. So please feel free to call us about any inquiry or information regarding the home care of an ill patient.

Why choose Signature Health Services?

At Signature Health, we have the resources and experience to provide the best quality of care for the patient and the family. Our nurses can also assist with and support any treatment process.

For more information on how Signature Health Services can help with your healthcare needs, please call 1 (800) 277-8291 (option 1) or email information@signaturehealthservices.net.