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...The most common symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are muscle weakness and low muscle tone. Recognizing these and other symptoms early can help people get a diagnosis and start...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can develop long-term complications because of progressive muscle weakness. One complication that is especially common in Type 2 SMA is joint contractures. Contractures happen...

...Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) must be diagnosed with a genetic test. Before suspecting SMA, doctors often use physical exams to help distinguish it from other similar neuromuscular disorders. A diverse...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) often have difficulty breathing because of chest muscle weakness. Breathing support can make sure they get enough oxygen to meet their body’s needs. Breathing...

...Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of many disorders of muscles and the nerves that control them. These are called neuromuscular disorders. These disorders have similar symptoms but vary in...

...Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder. This means that SMA is inherited by children from their parents, and it is present at birth. It is caused by mutations...

...Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder that causes progressive (gets worse over time) muscle weakness. It is caused by a defect in the SMN1 gene, which is needed...

...Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder where muscles become weak and waste away. It happens when spinal cord nerve cells die, causing important muscles to become inactive. It...

...Progressive back muscle weakness often leads to scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Scoliosis is very common for people with type 1 or 2...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) experience muscle weakness that gets worse over time (progressive) because of defective motor neurons. In severe types of SMA, progressive weakness can cause serious...

...Spinal muscular atrophy with progressive epilepsy (SMA-PME) is a very rare type of SMA. SMA-PME is also an inherited neuromuscular disorder. However, it is caused by different gene mutations than...

...Children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) face difficulties with daily activities at home and school. They also require around-the-clock monitoring and care to prevent complications. For many children, daily care...

...Adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have the same career goals as other adults. Symptoms of SMA can sometimes get in the way of working. However, people with SMA still...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have muscle weakness that can lead to difficulty chewing and swallowing. If it becomes hard to get enough nutrients safely by mouth, a feeding...

...Infants and children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can have difficulty with daily tasks because of low mobility. However, assistive equipment can increase mobility and independence. This refers to devices...

...People with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have symptoms of moderate severity. Most can sit unsupported, but they may have a delay in achieving this and lose the ability...

...Type 4 is on the mild end of the spectrum of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). People with type 4 SMA usually experience leg muscle weakness after age 30. Other mild...

...A surgical procedure called Nissen fundoplication can treat acid reflux in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Acid reflux happens when stomach material travels back into the esophagus. This can...

...Children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) often have progressive muscle weakness in the tongue, throat, and jaw. This usually makes it difficult for those with type 1 or type 2...

...People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have weaker chest muscles because of a problem with their motor neurons. In severe types of SMA, progressive chest weakness leads to breathing problems...