Q: My daughter is nearly 7 months old. She has been diagnosed with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 1. She was a very active baby but since last month, she has been showing no activity in her legs. What are the best possible chances and ways of recovery?

A:I am sorry to hear that your child has SMA. I regret that no cure for this disorder exists. The life span is reduced too. You should continue passive exercises; be careful while feeding (keep her upright when feeding). Chest infection is common in these children. I can share in your sorrow, and Science must feel miserable that it has no cure for this disease. An advice I would like to offer is that prenatal testing is available for diagnosis of SMA, in case you plan another child. In that case tests done in the first 3 months of pregnancy can determine whether the baby is affected or unaffected with SMA.