Health
How to Diagnose and Treat the Types of SMA
Spinal muscular atrophy. or SMA, is a group of diseases which generally affects the nervous system and the spinal cord. The symptoms of all the types of SMA are usually quite similar and generally occur when the motor neurons stop working. According to most of the health specialists, this usually happens when some of the genes, which are known as survival motor neuron, get damaged. 1. Diagnosis As these diseases are hereditary, it can be quite tough to prevent them. However, if it is diagnosed at an early stage, it becomes quite easier for doctors to treat the symptoms of the disease. Before proceeding with the diagnosis, the doctor will ask for detailed information about the patient’s medical history. He or she may also take a physical exam to check the tendon reflexes or the strength of the muscles. After the physical exam, he or she may ask for some tests to diagnose the disease. Some of these tests include: Blood tests Some of the types of spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) are diagnosed through blood tests. These tests generally aim to find the mutated genes which affect the motor neurons of the patients. Electromyography or EMG Electromyography or EMG is a type of diagnostic procedure which helps the doctor understand your muscle and motor neuron health.
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