Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an extraordinary, genetically inherited neuromuscular condition. It causes revolutionary muscle weakness and lack of movement because of muscle wasting (atrophy). It will effect on walking ability, arm, hand, head, and neck movement, breathing and swallowing. There are different types of SMA and a wide spectrum of how severely children, young people, and adults are affected.

The effect of the condition, but, varies greatly within and between each type. so many types of SMA are there, and it is being identified with ‘type’, a child may also be described as ‘strong’ or susceptible’ or having ‘early onset’ or ‘later onset’. The child/young people are affected by their SMA and they don’t have the ability to stand, walk and breathing ability also affected.

Types of SMA are currently understood to be as follows:

SMA Type 1: It begins between the ages of 0 and 6 months. It is a very severe form of SMA; normally, the earlier of the onset of symptoms. Babies are unable to sit without support and may be described as ‘non-sitters’. It is not possible to predict life expectancy accurately but, due to breathing difficulties, without intervention, this has usually been less than two years.

 SMA Type 2: between the ages of 7 and 18 months of age group people been affected by it. Children are unable to stand without support and may be described as ‘sitters’. Their weak respiratory muscles can make it difficult for them to cough effectively, which can make them more vulnerable to chest (respiratory) infections. And it is a serious neuromuscular condition and it will shorten the affected person’s life expectancy, improvements in care standards mean that the majority can live long, fulfilling lives.

 SMA Type 3: Between 18 months and 3 years of age group people been affected by it. Children can stand and walk, although this will become more difficult and they will need more support with this over time and the symptoms begin after 3 years. Difficulties with standing and walking usually occur later than for children. It depends on the individual impact of their condition; children and adults with SMA Type 3 may be described as ‘sitters’ or ‘walkers’. They don’t usually have breathing problems, their life expectancy is not affected3 and most can live long, fulfilling lives.

 SMA Type 4: symptoms begin in adulthood and include mild to moderate muscle weakness in the arms and legs and some difficulty walking. SMA Type 4 is not life-threatening. It is a form of Adult Onset SMA.

For more details: https://healthcare.nursingmeetings.com/