Spinal muscular atrophy usually affects babies and children, leading to significant muscle loss and weakness. The condition leads to a breakdown of the nerve cells in the brain, and the spinal cord, obstructing brain messages that help control muscle movement. The muscles shrink and weaken, causing trouble in controlling head movement, and causing problems sitting and walking without help. In extreme conditions, it can lead to difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

This disease is a group of genetic disorders and a neurological condition that needs immediate treatment. The common treatment procedures for spinal muscular atrophy depend on the type of this condition.

Types of spinal muscular atrophy

• Type 1 is the most severe one leading to having floppy arms and legs, accompanied by problems in swallowing. However, weakness in the muscles that control breathing is the biggest concern.
• Type 2 involves moderate to severe problems in leg and arm movement, including difficulty in sitting and standing without help.
• Type 3 is one of the mildest types of SMA where the child can stand and walk without help. However, there will be problems with running and climbing stairs.
• Type 4 is a condition where muscle weakness, breathing problems, and twitching are common problems. Often, only the upper leg or an arm is affected.

Effective treatment options
While there is no cure available for this condition, since it is inherited, there are common treatment procedures for spinal muscular atrophy, enabling an individual to live a full life. These treatments are:

• Spinraza
  This medication is a producer of a protein called survival motor neuron that delays motor neuron death and slows the progression of the symptoms. It also influences the production of ribonucleic acid that reduces muscle weakness to a significant extent.
• Zolgensma
  It’s a type of gene therapy infused in a single dose to treat the symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy. However, this medication can have adverse effects, and alternatives like gene replacement therapy and using stem cells are considered.
• Physical and occupational therapy
  Certain exercises and physical activities can help gain or maintain muscle strength for a considerable period of time. However, too much of an exercise or the incorrect method can be harmful. A physical therapist will guide one through the exercises, and tailor them according to individual’s needs. The specialist will then monitor the progress and incorporate changes when necessary. An occupational therapist will provide braces for arms and legs, and orthotics for shoes and also speech synthesizers.
• Nutritional help
  While chewing and swallowing food can be difficult, providing the right nutrition is among the common treatment procedures for spinal muscular atrophy. Unintended weight loss and growth issues are common, and the muscles of the food pipe and stomach weaken, leading to digestive problems. Feeding tubes are passed through the nose or the mouth, or insertion through the abdomen is also done. The nutrients and food needed for the patient are directly delivered through these feeding tubes that reach the stomach.
• Breathing aids
  Invasive ventilation like a tube is inserted through the trachea from the mouth or is surgically inserted through an incision in the neck to provide sufficient ventilation.