Four types of spinal muscular atrophy as Jesy Nelson announces baby twins' heartbreaking diagnosis

Jesy Nelson sadly revealed that her two newborn twins had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in a video recently.

The Little Mix star posted a heartbreaking update on the health of her children, who she had previously explained were Mono/Di twins.

This meant that they lived off one placenta in the womb, potentially causing a number of problems.

She admitted that the news was a shock to her and partner, Zion Foster, as they weren't aware that such health issues could affect twins.

Explaining that there could be 'lots of complications', Nelson's twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe were born two months premature in May last year.

The pair were diagnosed with SMA, which Nelson said 'affects every muscle in the body down to legs, arms, breathing and swallowing'.

The singer added in an emotional video: "If it's not treated in time, your baby's life expectancy will not make it past the age of two," with doctors telling her that her daughters probably won't be able to walk.

Nelson added that they were diagnosed with the 'most severe' type of the disease, meaning that they may not make it past the age of two without treatment.

The NHS states that there is no cure for the condition, though treatments can help patients live with the best possible quality of life.

What is spinal muscular atrophy?

SMA is a rare genetic condition which can result in muscle weakness, reducing one's strength and can progressively get worse over time, says the NHS.

It disrupts the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, causing problems such as affecting someone's ability to walk, eat, or breathe.

Four types of spinal muscular atrophy

The types of SMA are based on age and how they affect sitting, standing and walking.

Here are the four most common types of SMA:

• Type 1: Diagnosed within six months of life
• Type 2: Diagnosed between six and 17 months old
• Type 3: Diagnosed after 18 months to 17 years old and might require the use of a wheelchair
• Type 4: The rarest form of SMA, it only surfaces in adulthood (18+)

SMA can be treated, though there is no cure (Instagram/jesynelson)

Symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy

There is currently no cure for the disease, but some of the main symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness, including floppy or weak arms
• Bone and joint problems
• Legs and movement problems, such as difficulties sitting up, crawling or walking
• Problems breathing or swallowing
• Twitching or shaking muscles
• A bell-shaped chest
• Lack of reflexes

Treatments for spinal muscular atrophy

Medicines can be used to target the genes causing SMA, such as:

• Nusinersen (Spinraza)
• Risdiplam (Evrysdi)
• Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma)

It is advised that you see a health professional to best determine the treatment for the disease.

Support is available, with mobility equipment, physiotherapy, breathing machines, feeding tubes and back braces used to assist children and adults with SMA.

It all depends on the patient's age and symptoms, but there is help available to give those with the disease a good quality of life.