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Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy is a term for a group of inherited neuromuscular diseases. All forms of the disease attack specialized nerve cells called motor neurons. Motor neurons control the movement of voluntary muscles. Spinal muscular atrophy causes these specialized nerve cells in the base of the brain and spinal cord to gradually disintegrate. When these motor neurons disintegrate, they cannot transmit the electrical and chemical signals that muscles depend on for normal function, and as a result, the muscles weaken and waste away.

The four forms of the disease are infantile, intermediate, juvenile and adult spinal muscular atrophy. Each form differs in the age of onset, severity, rate of progression and (in the case of the adult type) the muscles that are affected. Infantile, intermediate and juvenile spinal muscular atrophy all affect children.

The spinal muscular atrophies are genetic disorders that can be passed down from one generation to the next. It is important to be aware if there is a family history of these disorders.

Home Medical Equipment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients

Because all forms of spinal muscular atrophy involve muscle wasting, factors such as general fatigue, trunk balance and head control must be taken into account if planning for wheelchair mobility. In addition, the progressive nature of the disability makes it difficult to anticipate needs for the present and for the future. Wheelchairs for children with any form of this disability must incorporate adaptive seating that will help minimize the occurrence of skeletal deformities.

In most cases, children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy can benefit greatly from daily living aids such as a stander which will enable them to function as independently as possible with a minimum of effort.