Differences between Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Spina Bifida, Explored
Two neurological conditions, Spina Bifida and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), while distinct, share some similarities in their impact on the nervous system. However, they have different causes, symptoms, progression, diagnosis, and treatments.
Symptoms
SMA is a genetic disorder that causes degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle atrophy, weakness, paralysis, and often respiratory failure. Symptoms can start as early as three months, with severe cases causing death before age two. On the other hand, Spina Bifida is a birth defect in which the spinal cord and surrounding vertebrae fail to close properly during embryonic development, resulting in nerve damage and varying physical disabilities, including mobility impairment, bowel and bladder incontinence, and learning disabilities.
Progression
SMA typically involves progressive muscle weakness with worsening motor function due to ongoing motor neuron loss. In contrast, Spina Bifida results from a developmental defect present at birth; symptoms can be static or worsen due to secondary complications but do not usually involve a progressive neurodegenerative process as in SMA.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of SMA is confirmed through genetic testing identifying mutations in the SMN1 gene. Spina Bifida is usually detected prenatally via ultrasound or maternal blood tests measuring alpha-fetoprotein, and confirmed by MRI or CT postnatally.
Treatment
SMA treatment includes gene therapies and antisense oligonucleotides targeting the genetic cause to improve motor neuron survival. Treatments are evolving but may not work for all patients and can have side effects. Spina Bifida treatment involves surgical closure of the spinal defect after birth or prenatally, plus ongoing management of symptoms such as mobility support, bowel and bladder care, and physical therapy.
In summary, SMA is a progressive, genetic motor neuron disease causing muscle weakness, while Spina Bifida is a congenital structural defect causing lifelong physical disabilities and neurological impairments with different management approaches. SMA affects approximately 1 in every 10,000 live births, and there are four types of SMA, with SMA1 being the most common. Additionally, people with SMA tend to have atypical changes in their SMN1 genes, and kidney failure, skin ulcers, and male infertility can also be symptoms of Spina Bifida.
[1] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Spinal Muscular Atrophy Information Page. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Spinal-Muscular-Atrophy-Information-Page
[2] Muscular Dystrophy Association. (2021). Spinal Muscular Atrophy. https://www.mda.org/disease/spinal-muscular-atrophy
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Spina Bifida. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spina-bifida/symptoms-causes/syc-20374448
Science has sought to address medical conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and spina bifida, two neurological disorders that impact health and wellness in distinct yet interconnected ways. SMA is a progressive, genetic motor neuron disease causing muscle weakness, while Spina Bifida is a congenital structural defect causing lifelong physical disabilities and neurological impairments, setting themselves apart in their progression, diagnosis, and treatment.
