Following former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson’s heartbreaking revelation that her twin girls will never be able to walk, Daily Star is helping you know what to look out for
Jesy Nelson’s devastating video about her children’s diagnosis has brought SMA type 1 to the fore. In the heartbreaking video, the former Little Mix star sobbed as she revealed that her children will never be able to walk after being diagnosed with the “severe” condition.
Fighting back tears, Jesy said that her daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe had been diagnosed with the genetic condition, aged just seven months old. Jesy had already had a rough journey to motherhood, having to undergo surgery on her children whilst she was pregnant.
But as SMA Type 1 has shot into the public eye following her brave announcement, many people may be unaware of just how the condition can manifest itself. As a result, Daily Star is helping you understand just what the signs are, to raise awareness of this little-known condition.
In the emotional video uploaded on Sunday (January 4), Jesy explained to her Instagram following: “A few months ago my mum noticed that the girls were not showing as much movement in their legs as they should be. It wasn’t really a concern to me at the time.”
But as the pair began to grow, Jesy began to get concerned that the duo had not been reaching their milestones. While healthcare visitors had insisted everything was fine, signs soon began to show that something was up — and after three months of searching for information, she revealed her kids were diagnosed with SMA type 1.
SMA — short for spinal muscular atrophy — is a genetic condition that eventually turns degenerative and eats away at the muscles. No muscle is spared from the condition, with the arms, legs and even tongue being affected.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are five different variants of the condition, with Ocean and Story having Type 1. This means that SMA symptoms start to appear from a very young age, and will reduce most of the person’s muscle control.
“Infants with type 1 SMA also have difficulty swallowing and breathing,” the Cleveland Clinic says.
As well as this, there are other major symptoms to look out for that could be signs of SMA if not checked. These show up in anything from mobility to breathing to even being able to smile.
Being unable to sit without support is seen as a key symptom of SMA, as the inability to use the muscles in the back could be a major sign that something is up. A lack of reflexes in things such as the knees could also be a cause for concern.
An abnormal breathing patten could also be a sign that something might not be quite right, as the patient could be struggling to keep their lungs inflated like normal people. This also includes a different-shaped chest, one that resembles more of a bell, with a wide bottom and a thin top.
Other forms of muscular weakness, including an inability to smile, raise eyebrows or use the tongue well, could also be signs of the condition to look out for. If caught early, this can maximise the quality of life for as long as possible, so doctors are urging those who may have concerns to get in touch.
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