Assistive Devices and Equipment in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Braces

Assistive Devices and Equipment in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Braces

by | Dec 4, 2018 | Nursing Resource Page One, Nursing Resource Pages, Orthopedics Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page One, Pediatricians Resources, Physical Therapists Resource Page One, Physical Therapists Resource Pages

Braces are one amongst a number of rehabilitation techniques that are used in those with neuromuscular disorders like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).1 Their effectiveness is thought to vary depending on the individual case. Children with SMA may have spinal braces as...
Pain Management in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Pain Management in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

by | Nov 27, 2018 | Neurologists Resource Page One, Neurologists Resource Pages, Nursing Resource Page One, Nursing Resource Pages, Orthopedics Resource Page One, Orthopedics Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page One, Pediatricians Resources, Physical Therapists Resource Page One, Physical Therapists Resource Pages

Increased pain is significantly associated with lower levels of health, social function, and vitality.1 The results of studies on animal models of neuropathic pain suggest that the abnormal excitability of dorsal horn neurons in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may lead...
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Scoliosis

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Scoliosis

by | Oct 30, 2018 | Orthopedics Resource Page One, Orthopedics Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page One, Pediatricians Resources, Physical Therapists Resource Page One, Physical Therapists Resource Pages

Scoliosis is an early orthopedic complication of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).1 The estimated incidence of scoliosis in SMA types 1 and 2 ranges from 60-90%2 and is approximately 50% in SMA type 3.3 The etiology of scoliosis in SMA is weakness throughout the muscles...
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Contractures

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Contractures

by | Oct 30, 2018 | Nursing Resource Page Two, Nursing Resource Pages, Orthopedics Resource Page Two, Orthopedics Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page Two, Pediatricians Resources, Physical Therapists Resource Page Two, Physical Therapists Resource Pages

Patients with progressive neuromuscular diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) have extremity weakness that can predispose to contractures, defined as “a lack of full passive range of motion due to joint, muscle, or soft tissue limitations.”1 The etiology of...
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Fractures

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Fractures

by | Oct 30, 2018 | Nursing Resource Page Three, Nursing Resource Pages, Orthopedics Resource Page Three, Orthopedics Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page Three, Pediatricians Resources, Physical Therapists Resource Page Three, Physical Therapists Resource Pages

Poor bone health is a consequence of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Bone mineral density is significantly reduced1,2 in up to 50% of patients with SMA.3 Immobility and muscle weakness in SMA are significant risk factors for low bone mineralization, but bone density is...
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Maximizing Quality of Life

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Maximizing Quality of Life

by | Oct 4, 2018 | Genetic Counselor Resource Page One, Genetic Counselor Resource Pages, Nursing Resource Page One, Nursing Resource Pages, Nutritionist Resource Page One, Nutritionist Resource Pages, Orthopedics Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page One, Pediatricians Resources, Physical Therapists Resource Page One, Physical Therapists Resource Pages, Social Worker Resource Page One, Social Worker Resource Pages

Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) have complex medical needs which can lead to diminished quality of life.1 Historically, patients diagnosed with SMA and their families report significant stress and a low quality of life.2-4 It is incorrect to assume that...