Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is a type of genetic condition. It affects one in every 6,000-10,000 people. Those who suffer from this disorder lack proper control over their muscular movements. Studies prove that everyone who has SMA has a gene mutation. However, the onset, signs, or the progression of SMA varies from one person to another. As a result, the treatment options for spinal muscle atrophy vary. 

Treatment options for SMA
As such, there is no real cure for SMA. Unfortunately, there is no way that you can prevent it. It is an inherited disease. However, a few treatment options can improve a person’s quality of life with SMA. 

Some of these include: 

Medications
DMT or Dimethyltryptamine does reduce the complexity of the symptoms. It also improves the outlook of patients with some forms of SMA. At present, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has authenticated two medicines to treat SMA. Hopefully, we will have more medications to cure the disease or reduce the symptom flare-ups with time. 

Spinraza
It is a medicine which works for every type of SMA. In this, four doses are injected initially by the doctor for two months. Following it, the patient will have to visit the doctor for a maintenance dosage once every four months. Spinraza is a type of ASOs (Antisense Oligonucleotides). It is a medicine that targets your underlying issue by altering the RNA production in the body. Spinraza slows down the further development of SMA. It also lowers the feeling of muscle weakness. However, the impact and effectiveness of medicine vary among individuals.   

Zolgensma
Another medicine authenticated by the FDA is Zolgensma. It is a gene therapy medication, which is primarily used for treating the symptoms of SMA in infants below the age of two. The doctor gives the medicines in a single dosage as an infusion. 

Other options for treatment
It is essential to know that both of these medicines do have potential side-effects. Zolgensma even comes with a warning on the box. This is the reason why researchers are continually working on seeking more treatment options for spinal muscle atrophy. Today, stem cells and gene replacement are also used to get rid of the affected motor neuron. 

Therapy and assistive devices
In addition to medication, a patient of SMA might also be advised to use some assistive devices. These devices better the life quality and increase the life expectancy of the person with SMA. Some of the standard assistive devices used are powered wheelchairs, modified computer access, and ventilators. These devices ensure that the patient is more physically active and participates in society. Some doctors even suggest physical therapy. In addition to this, wheelchair sports and water therapies are also used for treating SMA patients.