Beginning this week, the Illinois Department of Public Health will test every baby born in Illinois for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).  SMA is a group of hereditary diseases that progressively destroys motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control essential activities such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.  When there are disruptions in the signals between motor neurons and muscles, the muscles gradually weaken and begin wasting away. SMA affects approximately 1 in 11,000 births.  Beginning therapy as early as possible is the only way to prevent this motor neuron loss.  For babies identified through newborn screening, treatment should begin even before the infant shows symptoms of SMA. Currently, there are several FDA-approved treatments for SMA, and another six treatments are being tested in clinical trials. Additional information can be found on the dph.illinois.gov.