Spinal Muscular Atrophy Summary Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that attacks nerve cells, called motor neurons, in the spinal cord. These cells communicate with your voluntary muscles – the ones you can control, like in your arms and legs. As the neurons die, the muscles weaken. This can affect walking, crawling, breathing, swallowing, and head and neck control. SMA runs in families. Parents usually have no symptoms, but still carry the gene. Genetic counseling is important if the disease runs in your family. There are many types of SMA. Some of them are fatal. Some people have a normal life expectancy. It depends on the type and how it affects breathing. There is no cure. Treatments help with symptoms and prevent complications. They may include machines to help with breathing, nutritional support, physical therapy, and medicines. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Symptoms About Kennedy’s Disease: Symptoms Kennedy’s Disease Association Prevention and Risk Factors Carriers Cure SMA Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Muscular Atrophy, Spinal National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests Electromyography (EMG) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Genetics Genetics Home Reference: distal hereditary motor neuropathy, type V National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: spinal muscular atrophy National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 National Library of Medicine Learning about Spinal Muscular Atrophy National Human Genome Research Institute Specifics Kennedy’s Disease National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Living With Medical Issues: Breathing Cure SMA Medical Issues: Equipment Cure SMA Medical Issues: Nutrition Cure SMA Medical Issues: Orthopedics Cure SMA Find an Expert National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Journal Articles Spinal Muscular Atrophy Array Spinal muscular atrophy Swallowing problems Start Here Spinal Muscular Atrophy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Spinal Muscular Atrophy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Muscular Dystrophy Association Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Types of SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) Cure SMA
