Summary. 1  Some knowledge of basic first aid could mean the difference between life and death. 2  Consider doing a first aid course, so that you will be able to manage if someone is injured or becomes ill. 3  CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn. 4  Keep a range of first aid kits handy at home, in the car and at work.
The loss of motor neurons leads to weakness and wasting (atrophy) of muscles used for activities such as crawling, walking, sitting up, and controlling head movement. In severe cases of spinal muscular atrophy, the muscles used for breathing and swallowing are affected.
Focal muscular atrophy (FMA) has various causes and, hence, various signs and symptoms. Muscle wasting is probably the presenting symptom when the onset is insidious (see images below). Weakness may not be a primary symptom in these patients. A man with neuralgic amyotrophy presenting with wasting of deltoids involving the right side more than the left.