How Do You Spell SPINAL ATROPHY?

1. Spinal atrophy, also known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration and loss of nerve cells in the spinal cord. This condition primarily affects the motor neurons responsible for controlling muscle movement. As a result, individuals with spinal atrophy experience muscle weakness and atrophy (wasting away), particularly in the limbs and trunk.

   Spinal atrophy is typically caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, leading to a deficiency in the SMN protein necessary for the survival and function of motor neurons. This genetic alteration disrupts the communication between the nerve cells and muscles, resulting in the inability of the muscles to receive appropriate signals for contraction and movement.

   The severity of spinal atrophy can vary among affected individuals, ranging from mild muscle weakness to severe muscle impairment that affects basic functions like breathing and swallowing. It is further classified into four types (SMA 0-4) based on the age of onset and the progression of symptoms.

   Although there is currently no cure for spinal atrophy, various treatment approaches aim to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. This includes supportive care, physical and occupational therapy, assistive devices, and medication. The development of novel therapies, such as gene replacement and modulating therapies, has shown promising results in recent years, offering potential prospects for the treatment of this debilitating condition.

2. Tabes dorsalis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SPINAL ATROPHY

The term "spinal atrophy" is a medical condition characterized by the degeneration and loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:

1. Spinal: The term "spinal" refers to the spine, which is a vital part of the central nervous system. It comes from the Latin word "spina" meaning "thorn" or "spine".

2. Atrophy: The term "atrophy" has its roots in the Ancient Greek word "atrophē" meaning "lack of nutrition" or "wasting away". It is a combination of "a-", a prefix denoting negation, and "trophē", which means "nourishment" or "food".