Spinal Muscular Atrophy SMA with Gyzele Brown

Gyzele Brown is a proud native of Greenville, MS, now residing in Cleveland, MS.  She is the owner and operator of Gyzele’s Salon and Spa, where she’s dedicated to not only transforming looks but also impacting lives through her work.  A graduate of Delta State University and Goshen Cosmetology School, Gyzele’s journey began with a background in speech and hearing science — yet her passion for hair and beauty took center stage. 

Beyond her career, Gyzele is a proud mother of three amazing children who all have spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disease. Her journey is filled with both challenges and blessings, and she’s here to encourage others, remind them of the power of faith, and show that even in tough times, you can keep going for your family and yourself.  Join us as Gyzele shares her inspiring journey, full of hope, and powerful life lessons about strength, faith, and the importance of never giving up.

​Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and wasting due to the degeneration of motor neurons. It's a progressive disease that can be fatal in severe forms. SMA is typically caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, which is responsible for producing a protein vital for motor neuron health. The severity and age of onset vary, with different types of SMA categorized based on symptom onset and severity.   ​

Key aspects of SMA:

• Progressive Nature: SMA is a progressive disease, meaning the symptoms worsen over time. 

• Varied Severity: SMA is classified into types based on the age of onset and severity of symptoms. 

• Types of SMA:

  • Type 1 (Infantile-onset): Most severe, symptoms appear at birth or within the first six months, and many affected individuals don't survive past early childhood. 

  • Type 2 (Intermediate): Symptoms appear between 6 and 18 months, individuals can sit but not walk unaided, and life expectancy varies. 

  • Type 3 (Juvenile-onset): Symptoms appear later in childhood, individuals can walk but may have difficulty, and life expectancy is generally normal. 

  • Type 4 (Adult-onset): Rare, with symptoms appearing in adulthood and causing mild motor impairment. 

• Symptoms: Symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty with movement (sitting, crawling, walking), breathing and swallowing problems, and skeletal abnormalities like scoliosis. 

• Diagnosis: Diagnosis often involves clinical evaluation, genetic testing, and sometimes neurological examinations. 

• Treatment: While there is no cure, treatments like gene therapy and medications can help manage symptoms, improve motor function, and increase survival time. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices are also important. 

• Genetic Basis: SMA is primarily caused by mutations or deletions in the SMN1 gene. 

• Motor Neuron Degeneration: The disease affects motor neurons, which control muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.