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...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have mutated SMN1 genes. This leads to low levels of the “survival of motor neuron” (SMN) protein. Without the SMN protein, motor neurons eventually...

...Parents of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are usually their child’s main caregivers. With support from doctors, parents become the experts on their child. They know the best ways...

...Recognizing the symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) early can help doctors diagnose and start treatment as soon as possible. This is especially important for infants and children with more...

...Palliative care is an important part of treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This refers to therapies that focus on comfort more than treating the cause of disease. Palliative care...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) face many challenges throughout life. Physical symptoms can lead to emotional and social challenges for children. Dependence on others and isolation can worsen mental...

...Talking to other people living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a great way to find support. Support groups can provide advice, information, and a sense of community. Joining a...

...Understanding of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has come a long way, especially in the past few decades. Researchers in the 1990s found that changes to the SMN1 gene leads to...

...Siblings of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) often help their parents with caregiving. This can impact your life in positive and negative ways. Talk to your parents or other...

...Caregiving can be a fulfilling experience that improves your relationship with loved ones. However, it is often a full-time responsibility that affects other parts of your life. Stress and fatigue...

...Treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) should focus on therapies with proven clinical benefit. This includes disease-modifying treatments that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)...

...Weak chest muscles can make breathing difficult for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This is because their lungs may not fully develop. They also have a higher risk of...

...Muscle weakness is the most obvious symptom of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It varies for every person, depending on disease severity. How it affects motor functioning and daily activities also...

...Getting diagnosed with any chronic illness is an overwhelming experience. In spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), diagnosis usually happens at birth or during infancy. Delays and uncertainty about the diagnosis often...

...Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by problems with nerve cells in the spine that control muscles. Tests for muscle health and nerve function are often abnormal in people with...

...Adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have the same desire to live and work independently as everyone else. Stereotypes about disabilities often make this difficult. However, certain laws protect people...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may have difficulty swallowing and other feeding problems. This can lead to undernutrition, which can make muscle weakness worse. It can also lead to...

...In 2016, Spinraza (nusinersen) became the first drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It works by...

...Having spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) does not mean it is impossible to date or have sex. Adults with SMA still have happy and intimate relationships. However, certain stereotypes about disabilities...

...Coughing is an important way to clear mucus and other secretions from our airways. This helps prevent the airways from getting blocked. Children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have weaker...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have muscle weakness because of a defect in their motor neurons. In severe types of SMA, weakness can progress and cause serious complications. One...