FAQs about SMA type 4

Category: SMA Type 4

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affects approximately one in every 10,000 live births. SMA type 4 is one of the rarest types of the genetic disease, accounting for fewer than 1% of cases.

Category: SMA Type 4

There is no cure for any form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, there are disease-modifying therapies approved to treat patients with type 4 disease. These medicines can slow the disease’s progression.

Category: SMA Type 4

Symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 4 develop in adulthood. Most patients first start to experience symptoms after age 35.

Category: SMA Type 4

The genetic mutations that cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 4 are present from the moment of conception, and can be detected as soon as a baby is born. However, people with this mild form of SMA will not develop notable symptoms  until they reach adulthood. Disease-modifying therapies may be administered while patients do not have any symptoms so as to delay symptom onset.

Category: SMA Type 4

Type 4 is the mildest type of SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). It is not fatal; life expectancy for someone with this type of SMA is the same as for the general population.