Best Sma Doctors in Visakhapatnam
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Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic disease that progressively weakens the body's muscles. It occurs due to the degeneration and loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain stem, which are crucial for muscle movement and control. This leads to muscle atrophy and weakness, significantly affecting mobility and overall function.
In Vizag, SMA patients can seek expert medical care at Apollo Hospitals. With some of the best doctors and specialists treating spinal muscular atrophy readily available, Apollo Hospitals in Vizag offers hope to individuals facing this challenging disorder.
Types of SMA
At Apollo Hospitals, our doctors specialising in SMA treatment understand that the condition manifests in various types or stages:
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Type 1 (Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease): This severe form typically begins before 6 months of age, leading to profound muscle weakness and respiratory failure.
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Type 2: Onset usually occurs between 6 and 18 months of age. Patients can sit unaided but are unable to stand or walk independently.
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Type 3 (Kugelberg-Welander Disease): The onset occurs after 18 months of age. Patients initially can stand and walk independently but may lose these abilities over time.
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Type 4: This adult-onset form has milder symptoms with a slower progression.
Symptoms of SMA
SMA presents with distinct symptoms:
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Weakness and atrophy in proximal muscles (shoulders, hips, and trunk)
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Difficulty swallowing and breathing
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Impaired motor skills and delayed motor milestones
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Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and joint contractures (muscle tightening around joints)
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Respiratory problems and respiratory failure in severe cases
Tests to Diagnose SMA
To diagnose SMA, the following tests are commonly conducted by doctors specialising in spinal muscular atrophy:
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Genetic Testing: This involves identifying mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene.
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Electromyography (EMG): This test assesses the electrical activity in muscles, helping to evaluate the health and function of motor neurons.
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Nerve Conduction Studies: These studies measure the speed and strength of electrical impulses travelling through nerves.
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Muscle Biopsy: This procedure involves taking a small sample of muscle tissue to examine it under a microscope, looking for any abnormalities.
Treatment or Surgery Options for SMA at Apollo Hospitals, Vizag
With some of the best doctors and surgeons for spinal muscular atrophy, Apollo Hospitals in Vizag offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment options for SMA:
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Supportive Care: This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory support, assistive devices like braces, walkers, and wheelchairs, and nutritional support for managing feeding difficulties.
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Medication: Medication includes drugs like Nusinersen (Spinraza), and Risdiplam (Evrysdi), which increase SMN protein levels. Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma), a gene therapy treatment is also available.
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Surgical Options: The surgical options include spinal fusion surgery to correct spinal deformities like scoliosis and tracheostomy or non-invasive ventilation for breathing assistance.
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