Motor Neuron Disease (MND): Symptoms, Types, Treatment & More

This is some text inside of a div block.

min read

This is some text inside of a div block.

views

Home

/

Motor Neuron Disease

What is motor neuron disease?Motor neuron disease is a condition where parts of the nervous system are progressively damaged. The motor neurons are the neurons that facilitate body movements and functions i.e. chewing of food, breathing, speaking, etc. When the neurons get damaged, the ability to carry on generic functioning is damaged too.Motor neuron disease can affect different parts of the body differently. Here are some of the motor neuron disease types:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP)
Pseudobulbar Palsy
Progressive Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Kennedy's Disease

Motor neuron disease SymptomsThe motor neuron disease symptoms begin gradually and get progressively worse as the damage of the neurons takes place over a period of time. Motor neuron disease affects different individuals differently depending upon the extent of damage, age, health conditions, etc. Some of the common symptoms include:

Weakness in the body
Muscle aches, twitching, and cramps
Fatigue
stumbling
difficulty in chewing, swallowing and speech
difficulty in breathing
Respiratory changes

Who is at Risk?Motor neuron disease is a rare condition, with as low as only 2 cases found in every 100,000 people in the U.S. Motor neuron disease risk factors depend upon individual health conditions, family health history, age, and other factors. Certain red flags for when an individual might be at risk are:

People with a family history of motor neuron disease are likely to get it too
Sudden injury or accident that involves nerve cells damage
Sudden occurrence of auto-immune disease
Virus infection that causes neuro damage
Tumor or cancer in the nervous system

Motor neuron disease causesMotor neuron disease causes can vary from individual to individual depending upon their underlying health conditions, age, or personal injuries. People with a family history of motor neuron disease are more likely to develop this rare condition than others. Some of the causes are listed below for your understanding.

Accident or sudden injury causing nervous damage
Exposure to toxins and chemicals
Gene Mutation
Exposure to viruses
Auto-immune response
Aging of motor neurons
Nerve growth factors

How is motor neuron disease diagnosed?Motor neuron disease diagnosis is undertaken by neurologists after the patient complains of difficulty in cognitive functions or generic body movements. Often the early symptoms are neglected by patients, resulting in further damage to the neurons. It is best to seek a doctors help at the soonest for the best assistance.

Physical Examination A thorough examination is conducted by the doctor to understand neuron stimulation, muscle reflexes, sensations, and motor functions.
motor neuron disease Tests Imaging tests like MRI and CT Scan are undertaken to understand the response to certain sounds and waves and the muscular reaction to it.
Blood and Antibodies Test Samples of blood is collected to testify the presence of antibodies (body's natural response to a virus) and auto-immune disorders

Cure.fit is your premium health care partner and caretaker aiding prevention, maintenance, and cure of diseases. Operating with a large team of healthcare consultants, doctors, fitness experts, nutritionists, etc the Cure.fit App and Website aims to provide all-around healthcare on your fingertips. Book for an appointment with your neurologist now for motor neuron disease cure.How can motor neuron disease be treated?At present, there no solicited motor neuon disease treatment. However, certain treatments are undertaken to control and manage the condition.

Medicines Inhibitors are prescribed by doctors to improve the communication between the nerve cells and the muscles for disease management
Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is recommended to aid body movements and maintain the body functioning
Plasmapheresis A process where the harmful antibodies are removed from the body through plasma exchange. This control auto-immune response. Although this form of treatment is short-term.

How can motor neuron disease be prevented?Motor neuron disease is a life-shortening condition and can reduce life-expectancy to as little as 3 years from the first symptom. Certain motor neuron disease prevention practices can be done to optimize functioning and prevent further damage.