Spinal muscular atrophy - Muscular Dystrophy Queensland

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic neuromuscular condition affecting the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and voluntary (or skeletal) muscle movement.

The condition is usually diagnosed in infancy. With treatment, children with SMA are able to develop into adulthood.

New drug therapies (gene replacement or disease modifying) for SMA type 1 and 2 make early diagnosis crucial to improving outcomes for these children.

Spinal muscular atrophy

How is the name derived?

The spinal cord contains most of the nerve cells that control muscles, which explains the use of spinal in the name. The nerve cells do not transmit signals to the muscles, so SMA is considered muscular. The medical term atrophy describes muscle shrinkage when it isn’t stimulated, which usually occurs when muscles are not used.

There are a number of types of SMA, you can find out more here:
https://www.mda.org/disease/spinal-muscular-atrophy/types

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Medical Alert Cards

Medical Alert Cards


Muscular Dystrophy Queensland has created condition-specific alert cards for the most diagnosed muscle-wasting conditions.

These cards mean that people living with muscle wasting conditions and their families will have the security of knowing they can easily inform emergency health care professionals of the vital and specific issues that affect children and adults with these conditions.

Order our Medical Alert Card for Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2 today

Order your Medical Alert Cards

Community Members

Become a Community Member

By becoming a registered Community Member of Muscular Dystrophy Queensland you will be able to gain access to relevant supports.

At Muscular Dystrophy Queensland we don’t see you as just a client. You are a valued member of our community. We’re here to support you through every stage of life. We’d like to keep in touch with you, to understand your needs as they evolve and provide you with ongoing access to our range of services. And so, we ask you to register with us. 

Enquire about becoming a Community Member

Useful Resources

Visit The Loop Neuromuscular Resource Hub

The Loop Neuromuscular Resource Hub

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Muscular Dystrophy Association (USA)

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is based in the USA and is a wealth of information for neuromuscular conditions.

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