Learn about the early signs and symptoms of SMA from parents who know
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
DOWNLOAD THE DISCUSSION GUIDE
Lilah’s parents were told she was fine. But they knew something wasn’t right and pushed to get more answers.
Lilah’s parents were told she was fine. But they knew something wasn’t right and pushed to get more answers.
Benjamin’s mom’s instincts drove for him to have an earlier diagnosis. A parent always knows best.
Benjamin’s mom’s instincts drove for him to have an earlier diagnosis. A parent always knows best.
Dominic’s parents knew something was wrong and got help as soon as possible because it could make a huge difference.
Dominic’s parents knew something was wrong and got help as soon as possible because it could make a huge difference.
Morgan was diagnosed at age 3. But Morgan's mom always knew something wasn't quite right.
Morgan was diagnosed at age 3. But Morgan's mom always knew something wasn't quite right.

*Age at time of filming

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Know what
to look for

Parents know when something
isn’t right. Noticing muscle
weakness early can make
the difference.

CLICK HERE TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS

Recognize the signs of SMA

If you’re worried about your child’s physical development, it may be helpful to understand some of the signs and symptoms of SMA. 

What is SMA?
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by muscle weakness and loss of muscle. Since there is a genetic component, it can be passed from parent to child. However, parents rarely know that they are carriers.

Does your child show any of these red flags?
Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child:

At 2 months

  • Has difficulty breathing or chest and breath are out-of-sync
  • Has rapid tongue movements (fasciculations)
  • Doesn’t bring hands to mouth
  • Can’t hold head up when pushing up on tummy

At 4 months

  • Can’t hold head steady
  • Doesn’t push down with legs when feet are placed on a hard surface
  • General muscle weakness as shown by “frog-leg posture”

At 6 months

  • Doesn’t try to get things that are in reach
  • Has difficulty bringing things to mouth
  • Doesn’t roll over in either direction
  • Seems very floppy, like a rag doll

At 9 months

  • Doesn’t bear weight on legs with support
  • Doesn’t sit with help
  • Doesn’t transfer toys from one hand to the other

At 12 months

  • Doesn’t crawl
  • Can’t stand when supported
  • Loses skills they once had

At 18 months

  • Can’t walk
  • Loses skills they once had

For more information about the signs and symptoms of SMA, click here.

REFERENCES

  1. Oskoui M et al. Spinal muscular atrophy: 125 years later and on the verge of a cure. In: Sumner JC, Paushkin S, Ko CP, ed. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Elsevier; 2017: 3-19.
  2. Prior TW. Strategy for the molecular testing of spinal muscular atrophy. In: Sumner JC, Paushkin S, Ko CP, ed. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Elsevier; 2017: 63-71.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC’s developmental milestones. Available at: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/Checklists-with-Tips_reader_508.pdf.
    Accessed April 26, 2019.

Know what
to ask

When your child is having trouble
with physical development,
it’s important to be prepared
to discuss with your doctor.

Click here to see the questions

Ask the right questions

If your child shows signs of muscle weakness or other signs of SMA, it’s time to speak up.

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you’re worried about your child’s physical development. Here are a few questions you might want to ask:

  • My child has little head control.
    Is that normal at their age?
  • My child is not reaching _____ milestone.
    Should I be concerned?
  • I find my child is showing signs of muscle weakness. What do you think?
  • Does my child appear to be breathing correctly?
  • Is my child choking too often?
  • Should I be testing my child for SMA?

Keep track of the signs and symptoms you’re observing to discuss with your doctor.
Download questions for discussion.

Testing for SMA 

If your doctor is concerned that your child may have SMA, there are a couple of tests that healthcare professionals can use to confirm a diagnosis of SMA.

Genetic tests 

There are two genetics tests that can be performed in a lab to confirm SMA. They will determine if the patient has a deletion or point mutation in the gene responsible for SMA.

  • About 95% of patients with SMA have two copies of the deletion.
  • Only 5% of affected patients have other types of point mutations.

Drive the conversation

For additional guidance, download questions for discussion.

This brochure is designed to make it easier to have a conversation about SMA with your doctor.

 

For more information about diagnosing and testing for SMA, click here.

REFERENCES

  1. Oskoui M et al. Spinal muscular atrophy: 125 years later and on the verge of a cure. In: Sumner JC, Paushkin S, Ko CP, ed. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Elsevier; 2017: 3-19.
  2. Prior TW. Strategy for the molecular testing of spinal muscular atrophy. In: Sumner JC, Paushkin S, Ko CP, ed. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Elsevier; 2017: 63-71.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC’s developmental milestones. Available at: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/Checklists-with-Tips_reader_508.pdf.
    Accessed April 26, 2019.

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