For children with the more severe forms of spinal muscular atrophy, mechanical breathing aids may prolong lifespan. In some cases, breathing is more difficult at night, leading to a lack of sleep. In those cases, certain types of respiratory assistance may be helpful. If getting enough nutrition is an issue, some people with SMA have turned to feeding tubes.

Those with milder forms of the disease sometimes choose to have surgery to correct curvature of the spine (scoliosis) or joint problems. In forms of the diseases that are fatal in early childhood, these surgeries are often not done.

What types of treatment(s) are given for someone who has this disorder?