Detailed Information on Motor Neuron Disease

Motor neurone disease is one of the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases of adult onset. Motor neurone disease is a advanced, degenerative disorder that affects nerves in the upper or lower parts of the body. Upper motor neurons direct the lower motor neurons to produce movements such as walking or chewing.  Lower motor neurons control movement in the arms, legs, chest, face, throat, and tongue. When there are disruptions in these signals, the muscles do not work properly; the result can be gradual weakening, wasting away, and uncontrollable twitching (called fasciculations). 

When upper motor neurons are simulated, the manifestations include spasticity or stiffness of limb muscles and over activity of tendon reflexes such as knee and ankle jerks. Eventually, the ability to control voluntary movement can be lost.   Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, limb weakness, slurred speech, impaired gait, facial weakness, and muscle cramps. Motor neuron disease occurs in adults and children. In children, particularly in inherited or familial forms of the disease, symptoms can be present at birth or appear before the child learns to walk.

Motor neuron disease tends to affect people over 40 and is most common between the ages of 50 and 70. There are about 5,000 people with MND at any one time in the UK. The condition affects twice as several men as women. The causes of MND are viruses, toxins, genetic factors and immune factors, nerve growth factors and chemicals which control nerve cells and allow them to communicate with each other and growth, renovate and ageing of motor neurones. The body's autoimmune reaction to viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus can trigger MNDs. There is no cure or standard treatment for the MNDs.

Treatment can slow down the progression of the disease for some people and occupational therapy can aid to overcome difficulties. Symptomatic and supportive treatment can help patients be more comfortable while maintaining their quality of life. Assistive devices such as supports or braces, orthotics, speech synthesizers, and wheelchairs help some patients retain independence. Physiotherapy can help to maximise mobility. This includes: providing splints, collars, and other supports to help with posture. Dietary advice is often needed when feeding and swallowing become difficult.