Debunking Common Misconceptions About Spinal Muscular Atrophy
One common misconception is that SMA only affects a person’s ability to walk, but the condition can impact much more than mobility. SMA affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and can weaken the muscles used for breathing, eating, crawling, walking, swallowing, posture, and daily independence. SMA is caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, which leads to low levels of survival motor neuron protein and causes nerve cells to stop functioning properly over time.
Another major misconception is that everyone with Spinal Muscular Atrophy has the same experience. In reality, SMA exists on a spectrum, and symptoms can vary depending on the type, age of onset, level of muscle weakness, respiratory needs, treatments, medical care, and individual support systems. Some people with SMA may use power wheelchairs, some may walk with difficulty, and others may need breathing support, feeding support, physical therapy, or daily caregiving assistance. SMA symptoms can include weakness, difficulty breathing, difficulty sucking and swallowing in severe early-onset cases, and different abilities depending on SMA type. Debunking this myth helps the public understand that SMA is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.
Watch Full Episode on YouTube:
Connect with Victor Guerra:
Personal Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/Victortheinspiration/
The SMA Victor Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/TheSMAVictor/
The SMA Victor TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@TheSMAVictor
The SMA Victor Podcast Episodes:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BT7VJqpaR7rASeJHidduTFEcqLSA0Ic
The SMA Victor Q&A:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BT7VJqpaR7YFKqOYqs8lCeih48RO-5B
Learn More About SMA:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BT7VJqpaR5ZI1hZ5dkVPIfjbdqvPnZE&si=WRV8gj2102jCn6mI
The SMA Victor FAQs:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BT7VJqpaR4Mzd1ul1g2_XHy4Jn61oOK
The SMA Victor Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BT7VJqpaR50uUMYbVhYsdncM-Bf1mO1
Victor's Life with SMA:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXeepRh23LFqpR6iOdsaVjgYaeRX5u_eP&si=fYKi0SN0JL1KVtcf
My book, Become the Victor: Turning Trials into Triumph, tells my personal journey and offers guidance for anyone who feels stuck, discouraged, or unsure how to move forward. It is a reminder that “your greatest tests will become your greatest testimony.” It is available online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play Books.
Get My Book Here:
https://victortheinspiration.com/blogs/book-links/book-links