Spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) is a condition that affects muscles due to a breakdown in the spinal cord’s nerve cells. While this disease mainly affects children, even adults can get it. There are treatment options available to manage this condition better. The article explains the diagnosis and treatments for spinal muscle atrophy.
- Symptoms
Before going into the diagnosis and treatments for spinal muscle atrophy, it is important to understand its symptoms. SMA causes muscle problems, making them weak. This gives rise to symptoms like muscle twitching, difficulty breathing, difficulty standing, walking, and even getting up, and difficulty in swallowing.
SMA is a degenerative disease caused by problems in the motor neurons in the spinal cord. The symptoms can worsen over time and need proper management. - Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done by understanding the problems with the child by discussing it with the parents and through observation. Blood tests may be done to check for genes that can cause SMA. A muscle tissue biopsy can be done, where muscle cells are removed and tested to diagnose SMA.
An EMG or Electromyogram is a test to check if nerves are sending messages to muscles properly. CT/MRI scan is another method of diagnosing SMA by looking into the patient’s organs and structures. - Treatment through medication
Medication is the first line of treatment for SMA. Two drugs that are approved by the FDA to treat SMA.- Zolgensma
This is a gene therapy medicine used to treat children below 2 years of age. Typically, a single dose of it is prescribed. There are potential side effects and would be monitored by the doctor. - Spinraza
This medicine is used to treat all types of SMA. The medicines are injected over a period of two months in four doses. This is followed by maintenance doses once every 4 months. This medicine has helped reduce muscle weakness.
- Zolgensma
- Treatment through assistive aids
SMA patients can have difficulties in breathing. They also have problems with motor movements. Many assistive aids can help them lead their lives in a better way. Breathing devices, ventilators, and mouthpieces can be used to help those who have SMA breathe better.
Those who have motor problems can use wheelchairs, walkers, and leg braces to help lead a normal life. - Treatment through therapy
Therapy can be beneficial in assisting SMA patients improve their motor conditions. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are used to treat SMA patients. The therapy sessions would focus on helping the child to use their limbs.
Many exercises are done during the therapy. These exercises can help improve the condition of muscles and joints. It is essential to keep the muscles strong to overcome the wasting away of muscles. Therapy can help with this.
The article on diagnosis and treatments for spinal muscle atrophy provided comprehensive information about the disease. There are different treatment options for this condition that can help in managing it better.