Dysphagia in children with spinal muscular atrophy type II

Introduction (1) Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) (1 : 6000 newborns) [1] Degeneration of anterior horn cells (motor neurons) in the spinal cord Weakness and muscular atrophy Four types of SMA SMA type II is characterized by the ability to maintain an unsupported sitting position. In patients with SMA type II: • problems with mouth opening, chewing, swallowing (more with solid food) and choking more than in patients with SMA type III and IV [2] • (Aspiration) pneumonias: a video fluoroscopic swallow study is recommended [3] [2] Groot IJMd, de Witte LP. Physical complaints in ageing persons with spinal muscular atrophy. 1. weak movements of the tongue and a restricted opening of the mandible [4]; 2. weak movements of the submental muscle group (SMG) leading to dysfunctional protection of the airway and opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES);