These Good Practice Points set out what health visitors need to know on identifying, referring and supporting infants with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare progressive inherited neuromuscular condition. Lower motor neurons degenerate, causing muscle wasting (atrophy) weakness. It may affect crawling and walking ability, arm, hand, head and neck movement, breathing and swallowing.
In general, the earlier the onset of symptoms, the more severe the condition. Once symptoms appear, damage has already been done. Motor neurons die, cannot be replaced and lost skills cannot be regained.
