The phenotypic spectrum of GARS1-associated axonal neuropathy ranges from GARS1 infantile-onset SMA (GARS1-iSMA) to GARS1 adolescent- or early adult-onset hereditary motor/sensory neuropathy (GARS1-HMSN). GARS1-iSMA. Age of onset ranges from the neonatal period to the toddler years. Initial manifestations are typically respiratory distress, poor feeding, and muscle weakness (distal greater than proximal). Weakness is slowly progressive, ultimately requiring mechanical ventilation and feeding via gastrostomy tube. GARS1-HMSN. Age of onset is most commonly during the second decade (range eight to 36 years). Initial manifestations are typically muscle weakness in the hands sometimes with sensory deficits. Lower limb involvement (seen in ~50% of individuals) ranges from weakness and atrophy of the extensor digitorum brevis and weakness of toe dorsiflexors to classic peroneal muscular atrophy with foot drop and a high steppage gait.

Autosomal dominant distal hereditary motor neuronopathy-5 (HMND5), also known as distal hereditary motor neuronopathy type VA (dHMN5A or HMN5A), is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by onset of distal muscle weakness and atrophy predominantly affecting the upper limbs in the first few decades of life. The disorder is slowly progressive, and most patients eventually have lower limb involvement with foot deformities. Although sensory impairment is uncommon, some patients show this feature, illustrating the phenotypic overlap with CMT2D. Rare patients may have pyramidal signs or hyperreflexia (summary by Christodoulou et al., 1995 and Dubourg et al., 2006). For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of autosomal dominant distal HMN, see HMND1 (182960).