Types And Treatments For Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease that affects approximately one in every eleven thousand individuals. Around one in every fifty individuals in the United States are genetic carriers. This condition affects an individual's ability to move and use their strength by targeting the motor cells found in the spine. Some patients have an average life expectancy but may lose their ability to walk. Others may progressively lose their ability to speak, breathe, and eat.

Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a cure for spinal muscular atrophy. However, patients do have treatment options. This will often include gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy as well as medication. Of course, the effectiveness of SMA treatment depends on the type. Thus, it is essential to understand the differences between the four types of spinal muscular atrophy.

Type 1

Type 1 is the type of spinal muscular atrophy that presents most commonly. This variant of the disease is also sometimes referred to as Werdnig-Hoffman disease. If a person has spinal muscular atrophy type 1, their symptoms will typically appear by the time they are six months old. Some infants may have symptoms present immediately upon being born. The symptoms affect an infant's ability to move. The baby might have weakened muscle tone, particularly in their extremities. It might also be hard to swallow, breathe, eat, and move. An infant with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 will be unable to sit without help or raise their head.

At the same time, the disease does not have any effect on cognition. Infants tend to be alert and responsive despite their motor difficulties. When an infant is diagnosed, it is important to establish a team of healthcare professionals who can cover all necessary aspects of the baby's care. Parents should prioritize finding ways for the baby to sleep safely and comfortably. It is also vital that parents have frequent checkups on the baby's respiratory health, since spinal muscular atrophy can affect a child's ability to breathe.

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