The Clear SMA Types And Treatments

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a huge, huge condition. It isn't great for strength or the ability to move. Why? This disease targets the motor cells in the spine! Men, this one affects 1 in 11,000 people. What's more? 1 in 50 people in the States is a genetic carrier! Sad. Patients might get an average life expectancy. But men, it's not going to be easy! This condition makes it hard to walk without help. The same goes for breathing, speaking, and eating!

There are many, many SMA treatments out there. Hold your horses though, there's no permanent cure for spinal muscular atrophy. You'll want to get gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy if you can. Medication can help too! A doc's diagnosis on the type of SMA is vital for treatment.

Type 1

You're going to see SMA type 1 the most, men. It's the most common form! You'll also hear about it by the name Werdnig-Hoffman disease. The symptoms of it can start at birth, but definitely get going by the time infants reach 6 months old. What will you see? Infants will have trouble moving! They've got weak muscle tone with SMA type 1. They're not going to be able to sit without support. They'll need help raising their head too. Men, SMA type 1 means trouble swallowing, eating, and breathing too. It's not a fun condition!

The good news? This type's got no effect on an infant's cognitive abilities. They'll be so alert and responsive! Yes, so alert and responsive! The most alert you're ever seen! But hold your horse, they're still going to need a team of doctors to treat all their needs.