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Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) occurs when the gene responsible for producing the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, SMN1, is missing or mutated. The resulting protein deficiency impairs the function of motor neurons, the nerve cells that affect voluntary muscles used for crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. Muscles closest to the trunk (shoulders, hips and back) are often the most severely affected. Without the SMN protein, motor neurons may atrophy, shrink and die, causing greater muscle weakness. As a child with SMA grows, the body becomes doubly stressed as motro neurons decrease and their growing bodies demand more from nerves and muscles. The course of SMA, which is categorized into four types, is different for each child.

Physiotherapy and encouragement of activity can help children with this condition learn to move, to strengthen unaffected muscles and to prevent deformities. Swimming is an excellent way to move all limbs and the body in an attempt to keep the muscles strong and to maintain breathing capacity. If your child has SMA, please give him or her the opportunity to participate in water based activities from an early age. 

P.S. - For a child to be born with SMA, both parents must be carriers and both parents must pass the gene to the child.

By Dr. Andrea Miles, M.D.

Eagles Landing Family Practice
145 Eagle's Walk, Suite A, Stockbridge, GA (770)389-3855
3758 Hwy. 42 S., Locust Grove, GA (770)957-3700
50 Kelly Road, McDonough, GA (770)957-1887
1058 Bear Creek Blvd., Hampton, GA (770)707-0808
211 Fairview Road, Ellenwood, GA (770)507-4554
Womens Center - 649 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, GA (678)432-6161

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