Spinal muscular atrophy is a condition that is caused by the deterioration of motor neurons, resulting in a lack of signals reaching the muscular system from the spinal cord. The condition is the second most common genetic disease after thalassemia.
This condition can affect any age group, from newborn infants to adults, but when the symptoms present themselves during infancy, they tend to be more severe. The condition can be categorized into 4 main forms as follows:
Patients suffering from spinal muscular atrophy must receive specialized treatment, including for their respiratory system, central nervous system and muscular skeletal system. Additionally, they should undergo physical therapy and receive the appropriate nutritional advice from medical professionals. Infants with SMA can attend consultations with expert doctors in order to receive treatment using specially designed equipment aimed at rehabilitating muscular systems that have been damaged by abnormalities affecting the brain, spinal cord and skeletomuscular system.
Due to this condition being genetically transferable via recessive genes, spinal muscular atrophy can be prevented by genetic screening techniques, including preconception SMA carrier gene screening. In cases where both the mother and father are carriers of the gene, their child will have a 1 in 4 chance of being born with the condition.
Screening for SMA genes is a simple, uncomplicated procedure that can be carried out with a blood test that offers results within a one-month timeframe. Such screening can clarify whether the mother or father is carrying the gene, meaning they can be confident when making plans to start a family in the future.
The Pediatric Neurology Clinic offers diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles, such as chronic headache, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, meningitis, encephalitis, cerebral hemorrhage, brain tumors, muscle weakness and movement disorders from various causes. Our team of specialists uses Electroencephalography (EEG), CT scans and MRI scans to determine the causes of the abnormalities. These tools help doctors and patients each step of the way, so that their treatment plan ensures the best results.
