Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease. The motor neurons affect the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. It is a relatively common "rare disorder": approximately 1 in 6000 babies born are affected, and about 1 in 40 people are genetic carriers.
SMA affects muscles throughout the body, although the proximal muscles (those closest to the trunk of one's body- i.e. shoulders, hips, and back) are often most severely affected. Weakness in the legs is generally greater than in the arms. Sometimes feeding and swallowing can be affected. Involvement of respiratory muscles (muscles involved in breathing and coughing) can lead to an increased tendency for pneumonia and other lung problems. Sensation and the ability to feel are not affected. Intellectual activity is normal and it is often observed that patients with SMA are unusually bright and sociable. Patients are generally grouped into one of four categories, based on certain key motor function milestones.
2 comments:
He is so gorgeous! Good luck this week as you transition back to work. I know you will be one proud momma as you talk about Miller. He is making a difference in heaven just as he did on Earth!
Meredith, I met you in the airport in Shreveport and you sat by me and my kiddos on both flights. I have been thinking of you and your sweet family since I met you. I looked at your hats/armbands the first flight and wondered what they meant. I knew it was something special. When I met your husband on the flight back, I could tell you two are a great couple, and I have been thinking of you guys since you shared your story about Miller with me and my mom. I googled "I'm with Miller" and I found your blog! I just wanted to let you know that I've been praying for you, and that it is obvious you are a very strong and devoted person. Your blog is wonderful, and Miller is one blessed little punkin. He has the same big, beautiful eyes as Cole. I just had to leave a post and tell you that people from all over are praying for you. Take care, Amy Brown (Longview, TX)
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