Jesy Nelson has shared that her twin daughters with Zion Foster have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1, a rare genetic condition leading to muscle weakness that can be fatal if not detected early.
The 34-year-old Little Mix member described this as the most severe muscular disease babies can have in an emotional Instagram post. She emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment to help save muscle function in affected infants.
Nelson is now using her platform to raise awareness about the warning signs of spinal muscular atrophy, urging parents to be vigilant. The condition is caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, affecting nerve cells in the spinal cord that control muscle movement.
While there is no cure for SMA, treatments are available to manage symptoms. Early intervention is crucial to preserve muscle function, as once muscles start to weaken, they cannot be fully restored.
Common symptoms, as per the NHS, include floppiness, limited leg movement, bell-shaped bellies, and rapid breathing. Nelson shared her experience of her twins being born prematurely and the challenges she faced in getting them diagnosed and treated for SMA.
She stressed the importance of early detection through simple tests at birth, highlighting that timely intervention can prevent irreversible muscle damage in infants. Nelson encourages parents to seek medical attention if they notice any signs of the condition in their children, underscoring the urgency of timely diagnosis and treatment.