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Is there a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)?
Question
My daughter is nearly 7 months old. She has been diagnosed with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 1. She was a very active baby but since last month, she has been showing no activity in her legs. What are the best possible chances and ways of recovery?
Expert Answer
R
Dr RK SabharwalMay 17, 2007
Senior Consultant, Child Neurology & Epilepsy,
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi
I am sorry to hear that your child has SMA. I regret that no cure for this disorder exists. The life span is reduced too. You should continue passive exercises; be careful while feeding (keep her upright when feeding). Chest infection is common in these children. I can share in your sorrow, and Science must feel miserable that it has no cure for this disease. An advice I would like to offer is that prenatal testing is available for diagnosis of SMA, in case you plan another child. In that case tests done in the first 3 months of pregnancy can determine whether the baby is affected or unaffected with SMA.
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