Questions
Our family has a member with a hereditary neuromuscular atrophy, and we want to understand the genetic probability, symptoms, physical examination methods, costs, and concerns during pregnancy.
Answers
Genetic testing carries risks that may affect privacy, insurance, and employment. Laws in different states vary in the strength of privacy protection, so it’s advisable to choose a reputable genetic counselor and inform them of privacy concerns to reduce risks. Genetic tests can sometimes be inaccurate, so one should be cautious with the results. Prenatal genetic testing can predict whether a fetus has a genetic disease, but it requires professional consultation and psychological support. There is controversy over genetic testing in children, so it’s recommended to make an informed decision as an adult. Genetic testing for asymptomatic adults may cause psychological stress and affect family relationships. Genetic diagrams cannot predict the condition of family members with genetic diseases; they must be judged based on the family tree analyzed by a geneticist. Unidentified genetic diseases in the family may be caused by autosomal recessive inheritance, X-linked inheritance, or new mutations. Mitochondrial genes are located outside the cell nucleus and may cause mitochondrial diseases. Mitochondrial gene mutations are inherited maternally and affect cellular energy supply. MDA is committed to researching and treating neuromuscular diseases, providing medical services nationwide.