Spinal muscular atrophy



Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a group of rare, genetically inherited neuromuscular conditions. They cause progressive (deteriorates over time) muscle weakness and loss of movement due to muscle atrophy (wasting) in all of the muscles in the body. The more severe forms of SMA can affect the breathing and swallowing muscles.

SMA affects the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Classified as a motor neuron disease, it occurs when motor neurons (nerve cells in the spinal cord controlling muscle movement) progressively lose function.


The Share4Rare team has worked with clinical experts, patients and caregivers, to produce information for families affected by SMA. You will learn more about the causes of SMA, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and therapies, clinical trials and disease management. Our goal is to produce accessible information to help families become experts in their condition.