Question 1

what is spinal muscular atrophy?

Accepted Answer

Muscles need nerves: Our muscles need the nerves that supply them or they get weak and "atropy."  if the breathing muscles get so weak, then one can not breath and will have respiratory distress where the body can not move air or get rid of air.  Hope this helps!  take care!

Question 2

what is spinal muscular atrophy type 1?

Accepted Answer

SMA type 1: Rare genetic form where prognosis is poor &amp; life expectancy less than 2 years of age.

Question 3

can you tell me the basics about spinal muscular atrophy?

Accepted Answer

See below: SMA is group of hereditary diseases that cause weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles in the arms and legs of infants and children.

Question 4

can someone tell me if spinal muscular atrophy is hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately yes: There are hereditary forms of spinal muscle atrophy that are grouped together based on age of onset and distribution of weakness within the limbs. Please see a neuromuscular specialist to secure the right diagnosis. Good luck and well wishes.

Question 5

please tell me what are the usual symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy?

Accepted Answer

Weakness: Term implies a type of genetic disorder, which has several variations, and usually presents in early childhood.  It may present as a "floppy infant", but can also cause a progressive generalized symmetrical weakness and muscular atrophy, more proximal than distal.  Difficulty swallowing and breathing may be seen late in the disorder.

Question 6

how can you prevent spinal muscular atrophy?

Accepted Answer

Counseling : Genetic counseling is advised for those who have a family history of spinal muscular atrophy who wish to have children. This group of diseases is inherited. Prevention is through counseling.

Question 7

differentiate between duchenne and spinal muscular atrophy?

Accepted Answer

Muscle vs motor neur: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a disease of the muscles wherein the muscles degenerate and are replaced by fibrous and fatty tissue. Spinal muscular atrophy may look similar, but it is not a dystrophy. It is a disease of motor neurons. It is an inherited recessive disease.

Question 8

how long can someone live with type 1 sma (spinal muscular atrophy)?

Accepted Answer

Years: Although we used to see these children pass away within the first 1-2 years of life, now with good handwashing, treatment of infection, and machine ventilation, lifespan has increased.

Question 9

what is the life expectancy for people who have spinal muscular atrophy?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Some can live a normal life expectancy.  A lot has to do with the care givers.  Hope this helps.

Question 10

how much time can a child live with type one sma (spinal muscular atrophy)?

Accepted Answer

Not too long: Most children with type one SMA unfortunately develop severe muscle weakness that reflects on their ability to breath effectively and would pass away within few months of life unless they get on long term mechanical ventilation. Such a treatment is generally not recommended as it would prolong suffering with no improvement in the muscle function.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Medicine for spinal muscular atrophy

A member asked:

What is spinal muscular atrophy?

A member asked:

What is spinal muscular atrophy type 1?

A member asked:

Can you tell me the basics about spinal muscular atrophy?

A member asked:

Can someone tell me if spinal muscular atrophy is hereditary?

A member asked:

Please tell me what are the usual symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy?

A member asked:

How can you prevent spinal muscular atrophy?

A member asked:

Differentiate between duchenne and spinal muscular atrophy?

A member asked:

How long can someone live with type 1 sma (spinal muscular atrophy)?

A member asked:

What is the life expectancy for people who have spinal muscular atrophy?

A member asked:

How much time can a child live with type one sma (spinal muscular atrophy)?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?