SMA is caused by a lack of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, a protein that’s key for muscle development and movement.
Muscles need signals from the CNS
Motor neurons send signals to muscles from the CNS. These neurons need SMN protein in
order to work. Without SMN protein, motor neurons die off. With no signals from the CNS,
muscles get weaker and weaker.
SMN1 is mutated in SMA
People with SMA can’t generate enough SMN protein because the survival motor neuron
1 (SMN1) gene is mutated or deleted.
SMA=insufficient SMN protein
People with SMA rely on another gene everyone has, SMN2, to make SMN protein. But this
gene can’t make enough full-length protein for all the motor neurons.
People with SMA will lose motor function throughout their lives.
The rate of disease progression varies from person to person, and there is no sure way to tell when someone with SMA will start to lose motor function.
Motor function loss can become more obvious over time.
It can be hard to notice motor function loss with annual checkups because it may be happening slowly. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Such loss becomes more obvious as it
continues over time.
Type and age aren’t true predictors of motor function loss.
Because everyone experiences SMA differently, there is no way to predict when motor function loss will happen.
Genetic testing can confirm an SMA diagnosis or SMA carrier status.
Genetic testing is an important first step in accurately diagnosing rare diseases like SMA. In cases where a family history of SMA exists or symptoms suggestive of the disease present themselves, genetic testing can help to confirm the diagnosis by looking at genetic material to determine if the SMN1 gene is missing or damaged. Some states also have newborn screening for SMA to help identify and plan for treatment before symptoms even develop. Above and beyond this, genetic testing is often required to initiate SMA treatment.