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Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) - Best Hospitals, Doctors, Prices - Booking Health

Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) | Information about hospitals and doctors | Rankings | Clinics | Prices | Send request to the hospital

Best hospitals and doctors for spinal muscular atrophy (sma) treatment abroad

Leading hospitals

Cost for treatment

Spinal muscular atrophy diagnosis
4163
Spinal muscular atrophy diagnosis and conservative treatment
6333.95
Neurological rehabilitation Phase C
2000
The Merian Iselin Clinic Basel is a leading Swiss medical center with outstanding quality of medical care. The key areas of specialization of the clinic are orthopedics and surgery. The work of the specialists in the field of urology and sports medicine (accreditation as the Swiss Olympic Medical Center) is also particularly suc
The Albertinen Hospital Hamburgwas founded in 1907 and nowadays it is one of the largest and the most advanced medical centers in Germany. The medical facility has the status of the Academic Hospital of the University of Hamburg, thanks to which it offers the most advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, which allow the doctor
The International Neuroscience Institute Hannover is an advanced highly specialized hospital that provides patients with the diagnostics of diseases of the nervous system and further required treatment. The key areas of competence of the medical facility include neurology, neurosurgery and neuroradiology. In addition, the hospit
The Hirslanden Salem-Spital Bern enjoys the status of a modern medical facility, which work is based on the highest medical standards, a humane and respectful attitude towards patients. The history of the health facility began back in 1888, when it functioned with the assistance of the Deaconess Foundation. In 2002, the hospital
The Hirslanden Andreasclinic Cham Zug Cham provides the high-quality medical services both in the region and throughout the country. The medical complex is part of the Hirslanden Private Hospital Group, which is known throughout Europe for its extremely high treatment success rates. The key areas of specialization of the clinic
Hirslanden Clinic Aarau
Hirslanden Clinic Aarau
Overall rating9.0625 / 10
The Hirslanden Clinic Aarau enjoys the status of one of the largest and most successful private medical facilities in Bern and Zurich. The clinic is part of the Hirslanden Network known in Europe, which is a provider of first-class medical services in Switzerland. The main areas of specialization of the clinic in Aarau include c
University Hospital Mainz
University Hospital Mainz
Overall rating9.5 / 10
The University Hospital Mainz is one of the best maximum care medical facilities in Germany and an internationally recognized scientific center. There are more than 60 departments and institutes, which represent all fields of modern medicine. The hospital serves more than 68,000 inpatients and more than 273,000 outpatients annua
The University Hospital Freiburg is famous for its rich history and is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical facilities in Germany (one of the three best medical institutions in the country). The hospital was based on the Faculty of Medicine of the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, which celebrated its 550th anniver
The Samsung Medical Center was founded in 1994 and soon won the reputation of a medical facility of presidential standards, which it still preserves today. The hospital has 40 departments, 10 specialized centers and a huge Cancer Center with 655 beds. The medical facility is equipped with advanced equipment (for example, a 32-ch
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About the disease

Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare hereditary disorder that causes nerve cells, known as motor neurons, to be lost due to muscle wastage. This genetic condition can develop if a baby inherits an altered gene (SMN1) from both parents. In severe cases, spinal muscular atrophy can be fatal if it progresses very rapidly. It is the most common cause of genetic death in infancy. Since this disease causes extreme muscle weakness, including the internal muscles that are responsible for breathing and swallowing, it can cause recurrent respiratory diseases, including pneumonia.

The onset of symptoms generally starts during childhood (from the age of 6 months), but in some cases it may only start to manifest itself in the third decade of adulthood. Life expectancy is usually normal in children who develop spinal muscular atrophy after the age of 12 months. However, they may still suffer from muscle weakness and respiratory problems, which will require regular monitoring by a doctor.

Symptoms

  • Muscle weakness
  • Weak muscle tone
  • Weak reflexes in the muscles or their lack thereof in severe cases
  • Respiratory problems
  • Difficulty swallowing or crying loudly

Diagnosis

  • During a general examination, the doctor will check the child’s reflexes, muscle strength and mobility.
  • The doctor will also listen to the child’s lungs. Children with spinal muscular atrophy usually cry very quietly. In adults, extreme muscle weakness is the main manifestation of spinal muscular atrophy.
  • An electromyogram is a diagnostic test that can help to identify muscle denervation associated with spinal muscular atrophy.
  • Genetic testing can determine whether or not both parents are carriers of the SMN1 gene, which causes spinal muscular atrophy.

Treatment

  • Conservative treatment, including the prescription of Nusinersen, can be very effective. This drug is administered by injection into the central nervous system.
  • Various orthotic devices can be used to assist mobility if the patient has problems with walking.
  • Respiratory care is also important, to avoid infections and problems with swallowing.

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda IvanisovaDr. Farrukh Ahmed