Spinal Muscle Atrophy Facts

Spinal Muscle Atrophy , a devastating illness for child and parents. There are 3 types of this disease. Both parents need to be carriers of this gene in order for this to be passed to the child. And then it is still only a 25% chance of passing this on.

SMA type I, also known as severe infantile SMA or Werdnig Hoffmann disease, is the most severe, and manifests in the first year of life. This type generally onsets quickly and unexpectedly after birth; babies diagnosed with Type I SMA do not generally live past one year of age. Pneumonia is considered the ultimate cause of death due to deterioration of survival motor neurons; these neurons trigger improper functioning of the major bodily organ systems, particularly respiratory (e.g. breathing, ridding of pooled secretions inside lungs). Most often a feeding tube will need to be inserted to bypass the esophagus and directly into the stomach to prevent aspiration.

Type II SMA, or intermediate SMA, describes those children who are never able to stand and walk, but who are able to maintain a sitting position at least some time in their life. The onset of weakness is usually recognized some time between 6 and 18 months.

About the time that you may be trying to play with infant and stand on legs they are weak and they do not attempt to use them or at times will not straighten them when holding the child up. Type II also made need a feeding tube o prevent the choking and aspirations.

The third type SMA III are children that will be able to learn to walk and stand at some time in there life.

Symptoms: usually starting in infancy is most often the worst form , weakness , limp, weak cry , frequent bouts of pneumonia, trouble with feeding and swallowing, choking a lot when trying to eat. Loss of weight do not taking in enough nutrition.

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy are a necessity for these children. Even though these children may not be able to walk or use there hands and arms they are usually very bright and highly intelligent. Are able to learn and talk at a normal age. These children should not be treated any differently then other children.

The use of a suction machine to keep airways clear is usually beneficial. Frequent bouts of aspiration pneumonia is very frustrating and upsetting for parents and the child. Feeding tubes may be needed to keep the child from aspiration into the lungs.

Water therapy is also recommended for these children as long as they are supervised and do not swallow the water. The negative pressure of the water allows them to exercise their legs. And is something they can enjoy with the family. There are many special adaptive equipment that can be used for these children , such as leg braces , special chairs with supports for backs and neck .

If you ever meet one of these children you will be amazed at the intelligence, and what they are trying to overcome in there lives. There is a special little boy that I know that amazes me every time I see him.

http://www.fsma.org/FSMACommunity/understandingsma/WhatIsSMA/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_muscular_atrophy