What to Expect: Healthcare for SMA Patients

Caring for an infant with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) will be overseen by many different healthcare professionals who will work together to create a detailed care plan for the patient. Initially, the family may be referred to a pediatric neuromuscular clinic and then representatives from other medical fields will be introduced.

MORE: Five areas that need to be cared for when you have SMA.

According to TogetherinSMA, the care of an SMA patient will consist of both comprehensive care and palliative care. Comprehensive care covers the acute medical needs of the child along with the day-to-day needs, including airway clearance, cough-assist procedures, management of secretions, non-invasive and invasive ventilation requirements, nutrition, and hydration.

Palliative care is concerned with improving the quality of life for the infant and providing relief which may include limiting interventions, making the infant as comfortable as possible, potentially administering life-sustaining measures, and offering practical and emotional support to the family.

MORE: Tips to help you through your child’s neuromuscular disorder diagnosis.

SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.