Spinal muscular atrophy
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that affects the muscles in our body. It is caused by a problem with a special gene that helps our muscles work properly. When this gene doesn't work as it should, it can make our muscles weak and cause problems with moving and breathing. SMA can affect people of all ages, but it is usually diagnosed in babies and young children.
Diagnosing Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Doctors can diagnose Spinal Muscular Atrophy by doing special tests. They may ask you questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam to check your muscle strength. They may also order genetic tests to look for changes in the gene that causes SMA. These tests can help doctors understand if you have SMA and what type it is. It's important to get a proper diagnosis so that you can get the right treatment and support.
Treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy
While there is no cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy yet, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Doctors may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and improve mobility. They may also suggest using special equipment like braces or wheelchairs to help with movement. In some cases, medications or breathing support may be needed. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to find the best treatment plan for you.
Preventing Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Since Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic disease, it cannot be prevented entirely. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of having a child with SMA. Genetic counseling can help you understand your chances of having a child with SMA and discuss options like carrier testing or prenatal testing. It's also important to take care of your overall health by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that affects the muscles in our body. It is caused by a problem with a special gene that helps our muscles work properly. When this gene doesn't work as it should, it can make our muscles weak and cause problems with moving and breathing. SMA can affect people of all ages, but it is usually diagnosed in babies and young children.
Diagnosing Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Doctors can diagnose Spinal Muscular Atrophy by doing special tests. They may ask you questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam to check your muscle strength. They may also order genetic tests to look for changes in the gene that causes SMA. These tests can help doctors understand if you have SMA and what type it is. It's important to get a proper diagnosis so that you can get the right treatment and support.
Treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy
While there is no cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy yet, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Doctors may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and improve mobility. They may also suggest using special equipment like braces or wheelchairs to help with movement. In some cases, medications or breathing support may be needed. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to find the best treatment plan for you.
Preventing Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Since Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic disease, it cannot be prevented entirely. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of having a child with SMA. Genetic counseling can help you understand your chances of having a child with SMA and discuss options like carrier testing or prenatal testing. It's also important to take care of your overall health by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptom list:
Spinal muscular atrophy

Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.

Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
