Q: Is there any solution for spino muscular atrophy for a one month old baby? Where can I get it treated?

A:At the moment there is no medical therapy available for cure of spinal muscular atrophy. Supportive therapy with orthopedic care and physiotherapy are used to prevent further deformities and improve function. Facilities are available to confirm the diagnosis and the exact genetic abnormality in the affected child. It is possible to do a prenatal diagnosis at around 9 weeks of the next pregnancy to know whether the foetus is affected with spinal muscular atrophy.

At AIIMS, New Delhi you can contact Dr Veena Kalra, Professor of Pediatrics and incharge of the Division of Pediatric Neurology and Dr Madhulika Kabra, incharge of the Genetics Unit for further information and advice.