Spinal Muscle Atrophy Awareness Month

SMA is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons and progressive muscle wasting. It is typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, and if untreated, it is the leading genetic cause of infant death. It may also appear later in life when the disease has a milder course. The most common symptom is progressive weakness of voluntary muscles, with arm, leg, and respiratory muscles being the first to be affected. Poor head control, swallowing difficulties, scoliosis, and joint contractures are all possible complications.