How are SMA victims cared for?
What are the genetics of SMA? What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy? SMA is a deadly and relatively common genetic disease and is the leading genetic cause of death in infants and toddlers. It is the absence/defect in the Survival Motor Neuron Gene (SMN1) that causes Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The SMN1 gene codes for survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein, and this protein is critical to the survival and health of motor neurons, nerve cells in our spinal cord that our brain uses to control our muscles. Without sufficient SMN protein, motor neurons shrink and die. As the motor neuron network breaks down, the ability of the brain to control muscles diminishes and with less control and use, muscles weaken and waste away.
Those afflicted with SMA need constant, ongoing care from a variety of specialists including neurologists, orthopedists and pulmonologists, as well as repeated surgical procedures for bone and spinal weakness. Ongoing physical therapy utilizing exercise, stretching and strengthening may help maximize function, mobility, safety and comfort for SMA victims. In addition, an experienced occupational therapist can work with SMA victims to integrate the progression of their disease into their lives.
Those afflicted with SMA need constant, ongoing care from a variety of specialists including, neurologists, orthopedists and pulmonologists, as well as repeated surgical procedures for bone and spinal weakness. Ongoing physical therapy utilizing exercise, stretching and strengthening may help maximize function, mobility, safety and comfort for SMA victims. In addition, an experienced occupational therapist can work with SMA victims to integrate the progression of their disease into their lives.
