Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a medical condition wherein the muscles become weak and shrink in size. Infants and children are more at risk of developing SMA, a condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. A patient with this condition will find it difficult to control muscle movements like walking, sitting, and head movements. As the condition worsens, even swallowing and breathing becomes tough. However, several treatment options for SMA can help arrest the progression of the disease.
Since SMA is an inherited condition, there is no cure for this disease yet. That said, the following treatment options for SMA can help a patient lead a normal life:
Medications
Medications are the first line of treatment options for SMA patients. Doctors inject nusinersen and onasemnogene abeparvovec, a group of medicines to treat this disorder. In healthy individuals, the SMN1 and SMN2 genes instruct the cell machinery to produce survival protein motor neurons to control muscular movement. However, SMA patients are unable to control their actions, as these genes do not function properly due to the disease. The administration of injections propels the SMN2 gene to generate more survival motor neuron proteins. The medical team injects the first four doses of the medicine in 2 months, after which patients receive a maintenance dose every 4 months.
Assistive devices and therapy
Advanced treatment options for SMA also include the use of assisted devices and therapies for controlling the progression. Studies have proved that the use of ventilators and powered wheelchairs has been successful in enhancing the life expectancy of SMA patients. These devices improve mobility and help patients participate in community interactions.
Physical therapy
Many SMA patients have reported positive outcomes after undergoing physical therapy. The therapist evaluates a patient’s muscle strength, posture, motor activities, and medical history during a session, and then they design a unique treatment plan to improve the patient’s quality of life. Usually, therapy includes strength training exercises and therapeutic exercises. They help enhance motility and prevent respiratory failures. Therapists also encourage patients to participate in games and fun tasks to make the treatment joyful.
Symptom-specific treatment
There are a few symptom-specific therapies for managing SMA. Children with breathing difficulties due to SMA can try out specialized masks or mouthpieces to assist them in inhaling and exhaling conveniently. Similarly, if babies have trouble sucking milk or swallowing food, doctors advise parents to provide nutrition through a feeding tube. Leg braces and back braces offer relief to patients with joint and back issues.
These are a few tried-and-tested treatment options for SMA. If a child is diagnosed with this medical condition, the parents should not hesitate to seek medical attention. Modern therapies manage the symptoms and help patients lead a fulfilling life.
