SMA or spinal muscular atrophy is a group of genetic disorders that leads to progressive muscle wasting and weakness. It is a motor neuron disease. Some types of SMA affect individuals from the time of birth, but others can appear later in life. A person suffering from this disease will find it difficult to control muscle movements. This leads to difficulty in doing simple tasks like standing, walking, and even swallowing. One in every 10,000 people faces this condition. There is no cure for this disorder, but its progress can be slowed and the symptoms can be treated.

What are the types of SMA?
There are four types of spinal muscular atrophy. Out of these, three affect children. It is an incurable condition that makes it difficult to control muscle movement. Therapies and medication can help in slowing the progress of the disease, but there is no cure for it.

SMA type 1
Also referred to as Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, this condition is seen in children from birth or appears before they turn six months old. It causes muscular problems, and the affected child will face problems in movement, even while feeding. It can lead to spinal curvature as well. It is possible to detect this problem in the fetus.

Some therapies can improve this condition and help children carry out simple tasks like sitting and eating. If not treated on time, it can lead to breathing disorders that can be fatal.

SMA type 2
This type of SMA is seen in children. The symptoms become apparent between the ages of six to 18 months. Children with type 2 SMA will not be able to stand and walk. In some cases, they may not be able to sit either.

SMA type 3
This type is also known as Kugelberg-Welander disease. It usually appears after the age of 18 months and can lead to shortening of the muscles. An individual with this type of spinal muscular atrophy would have difficulty in walking and could have an unusual gait. They may find it difficult to get up from a seated position, run, and climb stairs.

With the right treatment, including disease-modifying therapies, a person can have a normal life expectancy.

SMA type 4
Also known as adult SMA, this rare type of spinal muscular atrophy is usually seen in people above the age of 21 years. It leads to weaknesses in the muscles closest to the center of the body. The impact would usually be moderate and is unlikely to affect a person’s life expectancy.

Treatment of SMA
Since SMA is genetic, there is no cure for it, but some therapies can help manage the condition. Medications that help in slowing down the progress of the disease are available as well. An integrated approach to treatment can help patients manage the symptoms of this condition.