What Are The Treatments And Types Of Spinal Muscular Dystrophy?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) seems to be the type of disease that makes it harder for individuals to move. Patients also appear to have a harder time using their strength if they have this condition. It seems to affect one in eleven thousand individuals. However, one in fifty individuals may be genetic carriers. Although patients may have an average life expectancy, their physical condition may not be great. Many of them will likely lose their ability to walk. The progressive loss of the ability to eat, speak, or breathe is also possible.

Patients may not have a cure for spinal muscular atrophy. They seem to be able to undergo gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Medication may also be helpful. However, the overall effectiveness of SMA treatment may depend on the type of this disease a patient has. Thus, it appears to be beneficial to understand the differences between them.

Type 1

Type 1 appears to be the most common form of spinal muscular atrophy. Some doctors may also call it Werdnig-Hoffman disease. Signs of this form may appear when infants are born, though they may also take until they are six months old. The symptoms seem to affect an infant's ability to move. They seem to struggle with weak muscle tone. This is likely to be common in their extremities. Some may find it hard to eat and breathe as well as move. Infants with this form may not be capable of raising their head or sitting without assistance.

Parents may need a team of doctors to help with all of their baby's needs. This will likely include regular checkups for their respiratory health. They may also need to pay extra attention to providing a sage and comfortable way for their baby to sleep. Although this condition is physically tough, it does not seem to affect an infant's cognitive abilities. They still appear alert and responsive.

Continue reading to uncover information on more potential types of this condition now.