Motor neurone disease
DEFINITION
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of
diseases in which the nerve cells controlling muscles of movement
are slowly destroyed. These nerve cells are known as motor
neurones, and they occur in the brain and spinal cord. With no
nerves to control them the muscles gradually weaken and waste away.
MND is progressive, that is, it becomes more and more severe as
time passes.
diseases in which the nerve cells controlling muscles of movement
are slowly destroyed. These nerve cells are known as motor
neurones, and they occur in the brain and spinal cord. With no
nerves to control them the muscles gradually weaken and waste away.
MND is progressive, that is, it becomes more and more severe as
time passes.
CAUSE
There is currently no known cause for this disease although
many possibilities have been explored and research is continuing
into some of them. These include possible viral infection, long
term poisoning with certain heavy metals such as lead and mercury,
nutritional deficiencies and abnormalities of nerve growth and
development. No evidence exists to suggest that MND is in any way
contagious or ‘catching’. Most patients are over 40 years old
although there are cases found throughout all age
groups.
many possibilities have been explored and research is continuing
into some of them. These include possible viral infection, long
term poisoning with certain heavy metals such as lead and mercury,
nutritional deficiencies and abnormalities of nerve growth and
development. No evidence exists to suggest that MND is in any way
contagious or ‘catching’. Most patients are over 40 years old
although there are cases found throughout all age
groups.
Men seem to be more affected than women and about one patient
in 15 comes from a family with a previous record of MND.
Approximately one person in 14 000 will develop MND in any one
year.
in 15 comes from a family with a previous record of MND.
Approximately one person in 14 000 will develop MND in any one
year.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Motor Neurone Disease usually begins with weakness in the
hands, feet and throat, and may be accompanied by twitching and
cramp. With time it may spread to the arms, legs and chest,
resulting in difficulties with speech , swallowing, breathing and a
general immobility. People with MND may experience problems with
drooling of saliva, inability to cough effectively and reduced
tongue movement. Muscle pain is common in this
disorder.
hands, feet and throat, and may be accompanied by twitching and
cramp. With time it may spread to the arms, legs and chest,
resulting in difficulties with speech , swallowing, breathing and a
general immobility. People with MND may experience problems with
drooling of saliva, inability to cough effectively and reduced
tongue movement. Muscle pain is common in this
disorder.
Due to weakness in the lungs these people are prone to lung
infections such as pneumonia and may die as a result of these
secondary infections.
infections such as pneumonia and may die as a result of these
secondary infections.
In later stages of MND some patients may appear to have lost
voluntary control over their emotions. He/she may suddenly laugh or
cry inappropriately although there is no impairment of the
intellect and MND does not directly affect bowel, bladder or sexual
function.
voluntary control over their emotions. He/she may suddenly laugh or
cry inappropriately although there is no impairment of the
intellect and MND does not directly affect bowel, bladder or sexual
function.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Motor Neurone Disease is a serious medical condition and must
be diagnosed and treated by a Doctor. Unfortunately there is no
known cure for MND at this time although many studies are underway
in an effort to find the cause and treat this disease
effectively.
be diagnosed and treated by a Doctor. Unfortunately there is no
known cure for MND at this time although many studies are underway
in an effort to find the cause and treat this disease
effectively.
As with any life threatening illness, people with Motor Neurone
disease require empathy, support and understanding. Depression may
be a problem for some people as they come to terms with their
condition and should seek advice from their Doctor. As the
patient’s mobility decreases, certain practical changes may be
required about the home to make life as easy and comfortable as
possible. A light exercise programme may be recommended along with
physiotherapy, speech therapy and dietary changes as the disease
progresses.
disease require empathy, support and understanding. Depression may
be a problem for some people as they come to terms with their
condition and should seek advice from their Doctor. As the
patient’s mobility decreases, certain practical changes may be
required about the home to make life as easy and comfortable as
possible. A light exercise programme may be recommended along with
physiotherapy, speech therapy and dietary changes as the disease
progresses.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Motor Neurone Disease Association topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Your Pharmacist may be able to advise you on products made to
assist people with limited mobility. - If dietary intake is inadequate your Pharmacist may recommend a
Multivitamin and mineral supplement in an easily swallowed
form.