Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic condition that causes worsening muscle weakness. There are five subtypes, which range in severity and age of onset. There’s no cure for SMA, but certain therapies and medications can help manage symptoms.

Jul 30, 2024 · People with SMA experience respiratory infections, scoliosis, and joint contractures (chronic shortening of muscles and tendons). The most common form of SMA is caused by changes in a gene known as the survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1).

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disorder that results in the loss of motor neurons and progressive muscle wasting. [3][4][5] It is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood and if left untreated it is the most common genetic cause of infant death. [6] .

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disorder affecting the motor neurons—nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. These cells are located in the spinal cord. Because the muscles cannot respond to signals from the nerves, they atrophy — weaken and shrink — from inactivity.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare hereditary genetic condition in which muscles throughout the body are weakened because nerve cells in the spinal cord and brainstem do not work properly. SMA is the number one genetic cause of infant mortality.

SMA involves the loss of nerve cells called motor neurons in the spinal cord and is classified as a motor neuron disease. In the most common form of SMA (chromosome 5 SMA, or SMN-related SMA), there is wide variability in age of onset, symptoms, and rate of progression.

Apr 8, 2023 · Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) most often affects babies and children and makes it hard for them to use their muscles. When your child has SMA, there's a breakdown of the nerve cells in the...

Sep 20, 2023 · Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness, making it difficult to stand, walk, move the arms and head, and even breathe or swallow. The symptoms are caused by a loss of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain stem.

Find out about spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) including the symptoms, types, causes, how it's diagnosed and the treatment and support available.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that affects the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. Untreated, it is a neurodegenerative, progressive disease, which can be fatal in its more severe forms.