Your first concern could be the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment Cost when you find that your child has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It is scary enough that your child’s illness has relatively few effective treatment options, which adds to the mess.
All the details you require regarding the expenses associated with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment in India, including the price of various treatment modalities, are available on this page. For further information, keep reading.
SMA is an unusual and dangerous hereditary disorder that causes muscle atrophy and weakening due to damage to the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. The cost of medical care may be too high. The severity of the condition, the type of treatment selected, the facility, and the geography all affect how much Spinal Muscular Atrophy treatment costs in India.
What is Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)?
Children who have SMA, a hereditary condition, have muscle weakness and ultimately loss of function as they age. SMA is inherited, which means that it is carried down through the generations. It affects one out of every 7,750 newborns in India.
After cystic fibrosis, the second most prevalent severe ailment affecting newborns and children is SMA, a rare genetic disorder. A study found that the impact on live births ranges from 1 in 5,900 to 1 in 10,990. White and Asian persons are nearly twice as likely as Black and Hispanic people to be affected by SMA.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Symptoms
Depending on the type of SMA, there is a wide range of symptoms to be aware of. A kid with variety 1 SMA, the most severe kind, usually shows symptoms in the first six months of life. Modest variances could hold off on displaying symptoms till the child is at least eighteen months old.
SMA symptoms can include:
- Scoliosis, or a twisted spine
- Breathing issues
- Unplanned tongue motions
- Issues with swallowing and eating
- Decreased tone and weakening of muscles
- Delayed gross motor abilities
- Restricted movement
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Causes
- Due to genetic inheritance, the genes responsible for SMA originate from your biological parents.
- Multiple kinds of spine muscular atrophy are caused by mutations (alterations) in the SMN1 (survivor motor neuron 1) gene. How serious the sickness is depends on the number of copies of the SMN2 gene.
- A functional SMN1 gene produces SMN protein. This protein is necessary for the survival and proper operation of motor neurons. When you have SMA, your body doesn’t make enough SMN protein, which leads to atrophy and eventual death of your motor neurons. Your brain does not control voluntary motions, especially those that involve the head, neck, chest, and legs.
- A very small amount of SMN protein is produced by the SMN2 gene. The SMN2 gene can exist in up to 8 copies in one individual. The loss of SMN1 protein is compensated for by several copies of the SMN2 gene, which is why multiple copies of the gene typically result in less severe SMA symptoms.
Types of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Depending on when the condition first manifests, spinal muscular atrophy can be classified as type 1 to type 4. Motor function will fare better the later the symptoms start to develop because most cases are progressive, meaning that instead of getting better, the symptoms get worse.
SMA type 1 (infantile-onset SMA or Werdnig-Hoffman disease)
Babies affected by this severe form of SMA typically do not live more than six months. Although the percentage of survival is rising due to intensive treatment, SMA type 1 patients might not survive past the age of two.
SMA type 2 (intermediate SMA)
Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy predominantly affects children six to eighteen months of age. Even though the child can sit up, breathing difficulties could cause an early death as the illness progresses.
SMA type 3 (juvenile SMA, Kugelberg Welander syndrome)
Children as young as 18 months old are susceptible to developing type 3 SMA, which can have symptoms that last into puberty. Most patients may stand and walk for brief periods of time despite having weak muscles, especially in the early stages of the condition.
SMA type 4 (adult SMA)
Several individuals get SMA as they age. Seldom does type 4 SMA progress to the point where the patient dies.
SMA not linked to chromosome 5
Probably, SMN1 gene mutations or SMN protein shortages are not necessarily the cause of SMA cases. Some of these variations, such as Kennedy’s disease, may affect muscles farther from the body’s center than those linked to SMA types 1-4. The variations vary in severity.
SMA Diagnosis
Creatine kinase blood test: Checking blood for the enzyme creatine kinase, which is released into the bloodstream when muscles fail. As opposed to other neuromuscular conditions, SMA frequently exhibits normal levels.
Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction study: You can assess the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves using an electromyogram (EMG) and a nerve conduction test.
Biopsy of the muscle: Your doctor may occasionally ask for a muscle biopsy. An analysis of a small sample of muscle tissue is sent to a lab as part of this treatment.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment and Management
The condition known as SMA has no known cure as of yet. Through symptom management and avoiding complications, individuals with SMA can work with their healthcare providers to enhance their quality of life.
Medication: In modern times, spinal muscular atrophy is an incurable disease. Many medications that enhance nerve and muscle function are now being studied in clinical settings.
Assistance with ventilation: Some individuals with respiratory issues may only need non-invasive ventilation to keep their sleep apnea from developing, but others might need ongoing ventilatory support.
Medical and occupational rehabilitation and treatment: Treatment aimed at maintaining joint mobility, stopping muscular atrophy, and enhancing flexibility and circulation may be complemented with speech, chewing, and swallowing therapy. Sufficient feeding is essential to provide adequate nutrition and avoid aspiration, which is the inhalation of food particles or liquids into the lungs.
Braces, support devices, and wheelchairs: They allow patients to maintain their independence for as long as is feasible.
Why Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment in India?
Competent Medical Professionals
India produces exceptionally skilled and qualified doctors. Around the world, they have a well-established reputation for treating spinal muscular atrophy.
Lower costs for medical treatment
India provides therapy for spinal muscular atrophy at a far lower cost than other nations. Parents may now more easily afford SMA therapy in India because of this.
The accessibility to medications
It is challenging to find drugs for the treatment of SMA globally. This is one of the factors contributing to their outrageous prices. But they are readily available in India.
Contemporary conveniences
Indian medical facilities utilize advanced technology to give patients the most dependable and beneficial outcomes.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment Cost in Top Cities
| Cities | Minimum | Average | Maximum |
| Hyderabad | $7495 | $7644 | $7872 |
| Delhi | $8600 | $8771 | $9032 |
| Pune | $8125 | $8290 | $8536 |
| Bangalore | $8447 | $8610 | $8866 |
| Kolkata | $6871 | $7008 | $7210 |
| Mumbai | $8918 | $9095 | $9368 |
| Chennai | $7740 | $7890 | $8120 |
| Ahmedabad | $7189 | $7329 | $7542 |
We have tie-ups with one of India’s most reputed hospitals to get you the best treatment at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail of our packages, you can contact us on our Website and call us at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.
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