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Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of genetic diseases that cause weakness and wasting in the voluntary muscles of infants and children and, more rarely, in adults.

Symptoms of Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) include:
  • Limited Mobility
  • Decreased Muscle Tone
  • Breathing Problems
  • Problems Eating and Swallowing
  • Delayed Gross Motor Skills
  • Spontaneous Tongue Movements
  • Scoliosis (Curvature of the Spine)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of genetic diseases that cause weakness and wasting in the voluntary muscles of infants and children and, more rarely, in adults. It is a one of the most common genetic conditions affecting children. It is estimated that one in every 6,000 to 10,000 babies worldwide is born with SMA. The types of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are:

Type 1 (Severe) SMA:

This type is also called Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease. It is the most severe and the most common type of SMA. It is usually evident at birth, or in the first few months afterwards (0-6 months). Symptoms include floppy limbs and weak trunk movement. Children with this type usually have extremely limited ability to move. They will also have a hard time feeding and swallowing, holding their head up, and breathing. Type 1 SMA progresses rapidly, with the weakening of muscles leading to frequent respiratory infections and usually death by the age of 2. Infants with SMA type 1 can never sit.

Type 2 (Intermediate) SMA:

Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 7 to 18 months. The rate of progression can vary greatly. The disease affects the child's legs more than his or her arms. Children with SMA type 2 can never stand. Respiratory infections are also common with this type of SMA. Life expectancy can range from early childhood to adulthood, depending on the severity of the patient's condition.

Type 3 (Mild) SMA:

This type of SMA is also called Kugelberg-Welander or Juvenile Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Symptoms can first appear during a wide range of years, from 18 months to early adulthood. Patients with Type 3 SMA can stand and walk but may have trouble getting up from sitting position. They may also experience mild muscle weakness and are at greater risk for respiratory infections. Most patients with Type 3 SMA have a life expectancy close to normal.

Type 4 (Adult Onset) SMA:

Symptoms for this rare type of SMA do not usually emerge until the second or third decade of life. Patients with Type 4 SMA can walk during adulthood but will usually experience slowly progressive muscle weakness and other typical SMA symptoms.

How Does BCV Impact These Patients?

Increased Lung Recruitment

  • BCV works in conjunction with your bodies physiology to naturally fill more of the lung with air

Better Patient Experience

  • By allowing patients to continue to eat and drink, as well as speak to their loved ones, BCV fosters patient independence, and active involvement with their treatment.

Increased Cardiac Output

  • A brief period of cuirass NPV increases cardiac output of patients.

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