Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy is caused by a genetic abnormality that affects the motor neurons. It is most often diagnosed in children or adults over 30. In order to get the disease, both parents of the patient must have the damaged gene and pass it on to the patient, an event that occurs about one in 6,000 births. When the damaged gene presents itself, the motor neurons in the spinal cord of the baby fail to develop or function properly because of a protein deficiency.

There are four types of spinal muscular atrophy, all of which affect motor function to a lesser or greater degree. The most severe cases are usually seen in infants who are unable to lift or turn their heads. Some children have trouble swallowing and require feeding tubes. In less acute cases, patients are ambulatory and have trouble only with certain movements, such as running or rising to a standing position. Spinal muscular atrophy is more serious in children than in adults due to the needs of growing bone and soft tissue.

Progression of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The symptomatic loss of motor function in spinal muscular atrophy patients often increases over time. Muscle weakness in children may cause bone deformities or affect healthier areas of the body that have had to compensate for the atrophied muscles. Mental abilities are not affected, although some emotional problems may stem from living with the disease.

The best way to preserve existing strength and motor abilities in babies with spinal muscular atrophy is to encourage physical play, such as games that utilize range of motion. The specialists at the Bonati Institute offer diagnosis and consultation regarding all forms of this spinal condition.