A person with AMN cannot break down Very Long Chain Fatty Acids which eat away at the myelin sheath around the spinal cord and damage both the adrenal and thyroid glands.

Because the myelin is damaged, messages from the brain don’t flow smoothly to the lower body. Spinal cord dysfunction causes:

• Increased weakness in the lower extremities
• Increased muscle stiffness
• Loss of the ability to coordinate muscle movement

Generally, the symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction do not present themselves until around the age of 28.

Forty-five percent of people with AMN develop problems with their white matter. Their prognosis is bleak.

There are few forms of relief. Adrenal insufficiency and thyroid insufficiency are treated with oral steroids. Muscle relaxation medication and stretching cut down on spasms and lessen overall tightness. Physical therapy helps to maintain what strength exists.

But, at this time, there is no cure for AMN.