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.
Causes of Muscle wasting and weakness that are very rare. The following causes of Muscle wasting and weakness appear in the population at a rate of substantially less than 200,000 people per year in the USA: 1  Addison's disease. 2  Dermatomyositis. 3  Duchenne muscular dystrophy.4  Motor neurone diseases.auses of Muscle wasting and weakness that are common. The following causes of Muscle wasting and weakness are diseases or conditions that affect more than 1 million people in the USA: 1  Rheumatoid arthritis. 2  Stroke.