A rare genetic condition, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), affects one in six to ten thousand people. This condition causes an impairment in the individual’s ability to control their muscle movement. The main cause of the condition is a gene mutation; however, the symptoms, onset, and progress of the condition can be significantly different in every case. This is why SMA is broadly divided into four different types to provide information for physicians. Following is information about the four types of SMA for physicians: Type 1 SMA –   Type 1 SMA is also referred to as infantile-onset SMA or Werdnig-Hoffmann disease. The main cause of this condition is possession of only two copies of the SMN2 gene. This is the most common type of SMA and more than half the patients are diagnosed with the type 1 SMA. The symptoms for this type start within the first six months of birth. They include weak cries; difficulty in moving, swallowing, or breathing; hypotonia (weak or floppy arms and legs); and inability to sit without support. Babies usually did not survive type 1 SMA, but with more information on SMA for physicians with new research and technology, a drastic change in the survival rate has been noted.

The relationship between a person diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and their caregiver is a two-way street. It is important to remember that both the patient and caregiver have their individual needs that should be communicated clearly. Irrespective of whether the primary caregiver is a parent, friend, or someone who has been hired to take care of the SMA patient, there are a few important things to consider for a healthy relationship between them. Below are three tips for SMA patients to maintain a healthy relationship with their caregivers- Informing the caregiver in advance about any schedule changes SMA patients should remember that their caregivers, whether family, friends or professional caregivers, have their own schedules and needs. One needs to ensure that they don’t make any last-minute changes without informing the caregiver well in advance. A caregiver plans everything according to the SMA patient’s schedule, and any sudden changes might cause problems with the caregiver’s schedule and routine. It is important to remember that the caregiver is likely to have other jobs, people to meet, and other personal errands of their own. Hence, it is essential to inform the caregiver in advance if there are any changes to one’s schedule.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that can affect those parts of the nervous system that control the movements of voluntary muscles. Most of the nerve cells that control the muscles are located in the spinal cord. SMA primarily impacts the voluntary muscles as they don’t receive signals from these nerve cells. SMA involves the loss of nerve cells called motor neurons and hence the condition is classified as a motor neuron disease. Choosing caregivers for people who are diagnosed with SMA is an important decision. Some people may opt for family members while other might prefer professionals. Below are some qualities to look for while choosing an SMA caregiver- Physical fitness This is an essential quality to look for while choosing an SMA caregiver. A person diagnosed with SMA needs to be lifted from time to time so that they can continue with their daily activities. Some people may need different caregivers for different tasks as well. Whether it is lifting the patient from the bed to the wheelchair, or from the wheelchair to the washroom, they need someone who is physically fit and can do this task with ease. Gentleness There are some jobs in the world where all that matters is getting the task done as efficiently and quickly as possible, but caregiving is not one among them.