Comprehensive Care for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It damages the nerve cells that control how muscles work. As a result, muscles slowly weaken and waste away. SMA is a genetic disease, and you can only get it if you inherit the gene for it from both parents.

Specialists at the Northwestern Medicine Neuromuscular Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offer comprehensive care for people with SMA.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital continues to treat a growing number of patients who have different types of SMA, including types 3 and 4.

Nusinersen and onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi are currently the only FDA-approved treatments for SMA. Nusinersen, which is the only medication approved for both children and adults with SMA, has been shown to halt the progression of disease. It may also help people regain some of the motor function lost due to SMA.

During your visit, you will meet with experts from multiple fields who specialize in SMA. Team members include:

• Physicians
• Nurse practitioners
• Genetic counselors
• Social workers
• Physical, occupational and speech therapists
• Dietitians
• Registered nurses

Each member of your dedicated team will provide input and suggestions regarding your unique healthcare needs.

The team will spend time with you and your loved ones to explain the disease and current research. In addition, symptoms such as muscle weakness, breathing problems, trouble eating or swallowing, and limited mobility will be discussed and addressed.

To learn more, or to make an appointment call 312.695.7950. TTY 711. Or, fill out a form and a member of our team will contact you.

• Advanced treatment options and clinical trials.
• Nusinersen, the first drug approved to treat children and adults who have SMA.
• Multidisciplinary care that brings together a team of neuromuscular specialists in one clinic.
• Treatment plans tailored to your type of SMA.
• Comprehensive support for you and your family.
• Genetic testing for Nusinersen treatment.

Northwestern Medicine is anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the only Illinois hospital on the national Honor Roll for 13 straight years. When options are limited, our experienced team is often able to offer innovative therapies and novel treatments through a wide variety of clinical trials.

Research and Clinical Trials

Northwestern Medicine physician-scientists conduct clinical research trials on all aspects of neuromuscular diseases.