Spinal muscular atrophy refers to a disease that destroys motor neurons. This affects key bodily functions like walking, speaking, breathing, and swallowing. There is no cure for this disease but treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease. The article lists out the various treatment options for spinal muscle atrophy.

Before discussing the treatment options for spinal muscle atrophy it is important to understand what this disease is all about. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) refers to a group of genetic diseases where afflicted people find it difficult to control their muscle movements. This happens due to destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

The condition makes it difficult to walk, speak, breathe, and even swallow. The severity of the condition depends upon the type of SMA. This condition can affect children. It can also affect adults but would have milder symptoms. SMA cannot be cured but the progress of the disease can be slowed down through timely treatment.

Treatment through medications
The primary treatment for SMA is the use of medications. There are three medications approved by the FDA for treatment of SMA. They are:

1. Spinraza
This medicine can be used for children and adults. It is injected near the spinal cord and requires booster doses to be given once every four months. It has proved helpful in more than 40% cases. It slows down the progression and also helps to increase strength.

2. Zolgensma
This treatment is used for children below the age of two who get SMA. The SMN gene that is defective is replaced by injecting a copy of the gene to the motor cells. This is a one time treatment given through IV. The treatment can help children sit up straight by themselves without support and control their head movements in a better way.

3. Evrysdi
This treatment is for children and it helps prevent the faulty gene from disrupting protein production. This is an oral tablet that has to be taken once a day with the dosage decided by the doctor based on the child’s weight. 41% of patients reported improvements in their condition after taking this medication.

These medications can have side effects and should only be given by a qualified physician.

Other treatment options
Other options for treatment include:

1. Feeding tubes and respiratory assistance (breathing mask or ventilator) for patients who find it difficult to swallow or breathe.
2. Speech therapy can be helpful in managing problems speaking.
3. Use of powered wheelchairs for patients who have difficulty in walking. Leg braces or a walker may also be used for such patients.
4. Braces can also be helpful in supporting the spine. This is useful for children whose spine is still growing.
5. Physical therapy like water therapy, exercises, and wheelchair therapy can help improve quality of life for SMA patients.

The article presented the treatment options for SMA. Apart from the above-mentioned options, new treatment options like gene replacement therapy and stem cell treatment are under development and can be helpful for those who have SMA.