Spinal muscular atrophy, also known as SMA, affects the control of muscle movement. An individual with spinal muscular atrophy loses specialized nerve cells referred to as motor neurons, causing muscle weakness and wasting. In severe cases, the muscles used for breathing and swallowing are also affected.
There are many types of spinal muscular atrophy. Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 is a severe form and can be discovered at birth or during the infant stage. Babies with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 are developmentally delayed, unable to support their head and may have problems with breathing or swallowing. Spinal muscular atrophy type 2 typically develops in a child between 6 to 12 months of age. Children with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 can sit without support but cannot stand or walk without help. A child with SMA can benefit from a child motorized wheelchair. Read on for more information on child motorized wheelchairs.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Wheelchair
The Edge 3 Stretto® is the perfect choice for a child living with spinal muscular atrophy. The ultimate pediatric power chair, the Stretto is also the narrowest power base in America, with an overall width of 20.47 inches when 12.5-inch drive wheels are chosen. Even if your child needs 14-inch drive wheels, no problem! The Stretto is still extremely narrow at 21.75 inches in overall width. Perfect for maneuvering within the home, your son or daughter can easily navigate child-sized spaces. The Stretto is a spinal muscular atrophy wheelchair because it can be fitted with specialized seating, positioning and electronics to help your son or daughter maintain his or her independence and medical needs. The Stretto comes standard with LED fender lights and a USB charger port for powering a smart phone or tablet.
Child Motorized Wheelchair Positioning
TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on the Stretto child motorized wheelchair offers an array of medical benefits, including increased sitting tolerance. TRU-Balance 3 can be customized to assist your child with function, postural realignment and pressure relief. Available options include power tilt, power recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel® Power Adjustable Seat Height.
Available with iLevel, the Edge 3 Stretto allows your child to elevate his or her wheelchair seating up to 12 inches. This elevation can help your child complete daily tasks, such as grooming, reaching, toileting and transferring. Your son or daughter can also drive at 3.5 mph while elevated, allowing him or her to keep up with friends and family.
