spinal muscular atrophy

Description

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) refers to a group of inherited conditions that affect the muscles. The severity of the condition; the associated signs and symptoms; and the age at which symptoms develop varies by subtype. In general, people with SMA experience progressive weakness and atrophy of muscles involved in mobility, the ability to sit unassisted, and head control. Breathing and swallowing may also be affected in severe cases. SMA is generally caused by changes (mutations) in the SMN1 gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Extra copies of the SMN2 gene modify the severity of SMA. Rare autosomal dominant (caused by mutations in DYNC1H1, BICD2, or VAPB genes) and X-linked (caused by mutations in UBA1) forms of SMA exist. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.; Spinal muscular atrophy is a disorder of spinal motor neurons characterized clinically by the development of muscle weakness and atrophy.