Table of Contents
Can SMA be cured completely?
It’s not currently possible to cure spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but research is ongoing to find new treatments. Treatment and support is available to manage the symptoms and help people with the condition have the best possible quality of life.
What race is most affected by SMA?
In the United States, the prevalence of SMA is estimated to be between 1 in every 6000 to 10,000 individuals. The condition is found in individuals of every race and ethnic background, but it is most common among Caucasians.
Can children with SMA talk?
Consequently, speech development is generally absent or very limited in SMA1 patients, with most of their communication being characterized by eye movements, guttural sounds, and anarthria (type 1a); severe dysarthria (type 1b); and nasal voice and dyslalia (type 1c) [14, 15].
Can you test for SMA while pregnant?
If you’re pregnant and there’s a risk you could have a child with SMA, tests can be carried out to check for the condition. The 2 main tests are: chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – a sample of cells from the placenta are tested, usually during weeks 11 to 14 of pregnancy.
Can babies live with SMA?
Infants with type 1 SMA usually die before their second birthday. Children with type 2 or type 3 SMA may live full lives depending on the severity of symptoms. People who develop SMA during adulthood (type 4) often remain active and enjoy a normal life expectancy.
Does SMA affect the brain?
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of hereditary diseases that progressively destroys motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control essential skeletal muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.
Can you detect SMA during pregnancy?
Tests during pregnancy If you’re pregnant and there’s a risk you could have a child with SMA, tests can be carried out to check for the condition. The 2 main tests are: chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – a sample of cells from the placenta are tested, usually during weeks 11 to 14 of pregnancy.
Is SMA disease curable?
Does SMA affect intelligence?
Children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy have normal intelligence. Adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy showed higher intelligence than controls, probably due to environmentally mediated factors (strategies to compensate for their physical handicap).