Adopting a multidisciplinary approach can optimize pretreatment evaluations and improve the dosing process for Spinraza (nusinersen) in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a U.S. study shows. This approach, which also used computer simulations to optimize treatment schedules and reduce missed treatments, improved anesthetic methods and minimized complications associated with treatment…

A type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) allows unique tracking of nerve fibers and could be used to detail changes in the spinal nerve fibers of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a study reports. DTI could offer new insights into SMA…

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the facial nerve could provide a non-invasive and accurate way of detecting motor neuron impairments and aid doctors in making a diagnosis of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a small study suggests. The study, “The facial nerve atrophy with…

Diagnostic reference levels indicate that people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) do not require higher radiation doses to monitor the administration of Spinraza (nusinersen) in the spinal canal, despite having severe anatomical alterations, a study says. The study, “Radiation exposure of image-guided intrathecal administration of nusinersen to…

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord may be a non-invasive way of monitoring spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease progression and responses to treatment, a case report suggests. The technique helped clinicians to diagnose a toddler with SMA type 2 after it revealed signs of ventral nerve atrophy in…

Treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with Spinraza (nusinersen) through the spinal canal is feasible and leads to high patient compliance as long as it’s done under the supervision of an experienced multidisciplinary team, according to a single-center study in Italy. The study, “Intrathecal nusinersen…

Administration of Spinraza (nusinersen) directly into the spinal canal is feasible and well-tolerated by adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2 or 3. Still, such treatment can be challenging for SMA type 2 patients and those who have had spinal fusion, a study shows. The study,…

Standard general anesthesia for the administration of Spinraza (nusinersen) is safe and effective in children with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a retrospective study shows. The study, “A retrospective cohort study of children with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 receiving anesthesia for intrathecal administration of…

Polish orthopedic surgeon Tomasz Potaczek says people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who have had surgery to correct scoliosis are routinely denied access to Spinraza (nusinersen) because of the difficulty in administering the injections intrathecally (via the spinal canal). To correct what he calls this “injustice,” Potaczek has…

As a lifelong SMA patient, the sheer number of people on my healthcare team rivals the size of my immediate and extended family combined. Keep in mind that I come from a southern family with multiple cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and even a couple of…