What's Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Alexander Ross
Alexander Ross
• • 7 min read

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Sma) Is a Group of Hereditary Diseases Hereditary Diseases Definition. Diseases That Are Caused by Genetic Mutations Present During...

What's Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of hereditary diseases

hereditary diseases
Definition. Diseases that are caused by genetic mutations present during embryo or fetal development, although they may be observed later in life. The mutations may be inherited from a parent's genome or they may be acquired in utero. [
that progressively destroys motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control essential skeletal muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

What are the signs and symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy?

Characteristics
  • Poor head control.
  • Weak cough.
  • Weak cry.
  • Progressive weakness of muscles used to chew and swallow.
  • Poor muscle tone.
  • “Frog-leg” posture when lying.
  • Severe muscle weakness on both sides of body.
  • Progressive weakness of muscles that help in breathing (intercostal muscles)

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What is the life expectancy of someone with spinal muscular atrophy?

Some may eventually need to use a wheelchair. Symptoms usually appear around 18 months of age or in early childhood. Children with this type of SMA generally have an almost normal life expectancy.

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

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Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.