Anterior horn disease refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect the nerves in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. This area is responsible for sending signals to the muscles that control movement. Some synonyms for anterior horn disease include spinal muscular atrophy, motor neuron disease, and progressive muscular atrophy. These conditions can cause weakness or wasting of the muscles, difficulty with movement, and trouble breathing. Although there are different types of anterior horn diseases, they all share similar symptoms and can be debilitating. Treatment options may include physical therapy and medications, but unfortunately, there is no cure for these conditions at this time.