G12: Spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromes

G12.0: Infantile spinal muscular atrophy, type I [Werdnig-Hoffman]

Nerves are a sort of wiring in the body. Nerves conduct information. The nerves use electrical impulses to do this. Nerves are important, for instance, in enabling you to sense contacts and temperatures, and to move your muscles. In your case, the nerves that are required to move your muscles have been damaged.

With this condition, the person is unable to move their muscles very much. As a result, their body feels limp, for example. The person is usually unable to sit down without help. They may be unable to breathe without help. It is also possible to have other symptoms. The person is often seriously ill. This disease is hereditary. Other family members may also be affected.