Motor Neuron Diseases Fact Sheet

Motor Neuron Disease (MMD) is a rare condition that affects only the nervous system and is also known as the syndrome of select parts. The disease affects approximately two percent of the North American population. Motor Neuron Disease is a disorder that causes a variety of symptoms, including muscular weakness, spasticity, drooping of eyelids and cranium, decreased muscle coordination, loss of speech, and in some cases, even death. There is currently no known cure for MND, however neural stem cell treatments available to help lessen the effect it has on a patient's life. Some patients live with their condition for years.

The disease can be difficult to diagnose, primarily because the symptoms are so similar to other diseases. When MMD is suspected, a doctor will conduct several tests in order to eliminate any other medical conditions. These include blood tests, nerve tests, muscle testing, CT scan of the head and neck, MRI, or PET scan of the brain. Once all these tests have been conducted, your doctor will be able to correctly diagnose you with Motor Neuron Disease.

SYMPTOMS OF MND

One of the most common symptoms of Motor Neuron Disease is motor weakness. This occurs due to the fact that the affected muscles are related to swallowing. In order to prevent the development of this disorder, it is important to perform daily exercises that strengthen both the muscles that help you swallow properly and those that control your facial muscles. You should also practice daily mouth exercises that will strengthen the muscles of your face and lips. These exercises will help you prevent the development of droopy eyelids, which are common symptoms of MMD.

Another symptom of Motor Neurone Disease is tremors. Because the muscles controlling your facial movements are weak, your nervous system is not able to control fast and smooth movements of your facial muscles. Therefore, whenever you make faces, lips, eyes, or forehead move, your nerves are unable to control the movement. When you are stressed, you may start to tremble because your body tries to control your movements. When you are eating food, tremors can occur due to swallowing too fast or swallowing air while eating.

Motor Neurone Disease is usually diagnosed through a physical examination or neurological tests. A physical examination may include the use of a stethoscope, MRI, or Electromyelogram (EMG). These tests are able to detect if you have Neuronychia. An MRI will help detect tumors, enlarged cysts, or other abnormalities in the nerve, muscle, or brain. EMG will allow doctors to know your muscle strength and sensitivity. If you have been diagnosed with ALS or MND, your life expectancy may be decreased as a result of your motor neurone disease.

Patients who have nerve damage may experience numbness, tingling, weakness, tremors, or muscle weakness, and it occurs mostly in the upper back, neck, hands, legs, or feet. Typically, the motor neurone disease begins when the muscles become imbalanced. In addition, the nerves are not communicating the messages that control facial movements, swallowing, breathing, or other functions. For example, the muscles in the face fail to move properly when a person smiles, swallows, or looks downwards. This communication problem can be treated with physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or medicines.

What causes motor neuron diseases?

One of the most common symptoms of this disease is motor weakness or muscle wasting. Motor weakness or muscle wasting can be a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are often attributed to other diseases, such as influenza or strep throat. The majority of patients with Neuronychia also have symmetrical wasting of muscles in the upper arms, legs, shoulders, elbows, and feet. Patients with this condition can perform manual tasks, but they have difficulty with fine movements, such as picking up small objects, reaching, and using a keyboard or mouse. It is also possible that patients with Neuronychia develop speech problems due to muscle wasting or asymmetry.