Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Program

Our approach to care

Collaboration across multiple specialties is central to SMA care. In addition to neurologists and nurses, your care team may include:

• Interventional radiologists
• Physical therapists
• Speech therapists
• Respiratory therapists
• Genetic counselors

Our goal is to help you achieve the best quality of life and thoughtfully care for all parts of your health.

Early diagnosis can help manage symptom progression and support quality of life for people with SMA. Our clinicians are skilled at diagnosing your condition and ruling out any other causes of movement and muscle weakness. Some examples of diagnostic procedures we perform include:

• Clinical muscle assessments
• Genetic testing
• Electromyography (EMG)

In addition to medication, a multidisciplinary approach can support mobility, daily function, and quality of life. Care may include:

• Medications that can help improve motor function
• Therapy to maintain mobility, strength and daily functioning
• Guidance on medical equipment
• Supportive care, including respiratory support and nutritional management
• Genetic counseling

Our specialists diagnose and provide personalized treatment for SMA of all types. Treatment recommendations are based on your symptoms, preferences, and overall health.

• Disease-modifying medication like Nusinersen and Risdiplam
• Gene replacement therapy like onasemnogene abeparvovec-brve
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• Supportive care such as respiratory support and nutritional management