What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy
1 in 40 people carry the gene that causes SMA.
This could be someone in the office, grocery store, or even your family.
Both parents must carry the gene to pass the disease to their child.
There is a 25% chance the child will be affected. A blood test will determine this.
The Diagnosis
SMA is a rare, genetic disease.
It affects a person’s motor neurons at a progressive rate.
This means it weakens the muscles involved with walking, breathing, swallowing, and all other voluntary movements over time.
The Basics
There are 4 types of SMA— I, II, III, or adult onset.
Type I is the most severe and typically diagnosed shortly after birth.
Types of SMA are classified by milestones reached as an infant or child.