Researchers Discover Promising New Gene Therapy Approach for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

A new genetic approach to restore the expression of the gene that causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in patients' cells holds promise to effectively and permanently treat the disease, researchers suggest. The study, “Seamless genetic conversion of SMN2 to SMN1 via...
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Spinraza-Zolgensma Combination Well-tolerated in Children with SMA Type 1, Study Shows

Combining Spinraza (nusinersen) with the gene therapy Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) is generally well-tolerated and sustains motor improvements in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, according to a case series study. The data, which...
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Edema Reduction Massage In SMA Patients

As we've discussed in previous articles, most patients with SMA sit in a wheelchair all day, therefore increasing the likelihood of experiencing increased swelling in their feet and ankles. For able-bodied individuals, when they walk, their legs are in a gravity...
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Advancements in Wheelchair Options

As we have previously discussed in earlier articles, wheelchairs play a main role in the daily lives of many patients with SMA. Over the past ten years, wheelchairs have changed for the better, and now have many customizable options available that can very much...
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Reality of SMA and Physical Therapy

Before meeting Michael, my patient with SMA, I had a lack in knowledge of what SMA really was, and what kind of goals were realistic to set for him to meet. I had no idea what my expectations should be regarding his progress and how to meet those expectations. I was...
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Respiratory Weakness in SMA Most Pronounced in Childhood, Study Finds

Lung function in people with earlier-onset forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) tends to decline gradually throughout childhood and stabilizes in early adulthood, according to data from a population-based natural history study. The study, “Natural history of lung...
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SMA Type 2

Lung Ultrasound Reliable Option to Chest X-rays for Monitoring Children

Lung ultrasound is a safe and reliable bedside tool to detect atelectasis (partial lung collapse) early in children with neuromuscular diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a study suggests. This radiation-free method could be used to monitor lung health...
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physical therapy and SMA

SBMA Seen to Affect Skeletal Muscles First, Not Motor Neurons

Although a disease of motor neurons, nerve cells of the spinal cord and brainstem, the earliest signs of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) are in skeletal muscles, according to data from a mouse study. These findings suggest that changes in muscle strength and...
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Benefits of Long Sitting Unsupported In a Patient With SMA

When working with a patient with SMA, you will most likely find that their sitting balance is not optimal while sitting unsupported, due to a lack of core strength. While every patient has different strengths and weaknesses, as well as abilities and disabilities, it...
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sma type 2 subtypes

Growth-friendly Spinal Implants May Help SMA Children Before Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery — a procedure to fuse two or more spine vertebrae — is more successful at reducing spine curvature in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 and 2  if they have previously been given growth-friendly spinal implants, a study reports....
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Spinraza-Zolgensma Combination Well-tolerated in Children with SMA Type 1, Study Shows

Combining Spinraza (nusinersen) with the gene therapy Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) is generally well-tolerated and sustains motor improvements in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, according to a case series study. The data, which...

Respiratory Weakness in SMA Most Pronounced in Childhood, Study Finds

Lung function in people with earlier-onset forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) tends to decline gradually throughout childhood and stabilizes in early adulthood, according to data from a population-based natural history study. The study, “Natural history of lung...

Lung Ultrasound Reliable Option to Chest X-rays for Monitoring Children

Lung ultrasound is a safe and reliable bedside tool to detect atelectasis (partial lung collapse) early in children with neuromuscular diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a study suggests. This radiation-free method could be used to monitor lung health...

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Latest Articles from SMA HCP

Edema Reduction Massage In SMA Patients

Edema Reduction Massage In SMA Patients

Aug 24, 2020

As we've discussed in previous articles, most patients with SMA sit in a wheelchair all day, therefore increasing the likelihood of experiencing increased swelling in their feet and ankles. For able-bodied individuals, when they walk, their legs are in a gravity...

SMA Patient Columns

My Experience with the JACO Robotic Arm

Throughout my life, I have required assistance with the most basic tasks. Things like scratching my head, getting myself a drink, or picking something up off the floor are just a few items on a never-ending list of impossibilities. Fortunately, there is now technology...
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The Amino Acid Diet and Its Benefits

Nutrition has always been a challenge for my daughter, Ella. And, in turn, it is a challenge for my wife and me. Due to Ella's disease, she has an increased amount of difficulty digesting long-chain fats (meats, cheeses, etc.) and she also has a hard time maintaining...
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