Information about MND
People who receive a diagnosis of any serious illness, and those close to them , are very likely to have feelings of shock, anger and despair. This is especially true when people who are fit, well and active, develop very early signs of Motor Neurone Disease such as a weakness in one hand.
The shock experienced when hearing the diagnosis frequently means that people do not remember very much of what their Neurologist has explained to them at the time of diagnosis.
The questions they most frequently ask, and the answers commonly given are:-
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, breathe and swallow fail to work normally.
With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste. The patterns of weakness vary from person to person.
What are the Symptoms?
Early symptoms are mild, and include stumbling due to weakness of the leg muscles, difficulty of holding objects due to weakness of hand muscles, slurring of speech or swallowing difficulties due to weakness of the tongue and throat muscles. The effect of MND varies enormously in respect of initial symptoms, rate and pattern of progression, and survival time after diagnosis.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of MND is often clinically difficult, and it sometimes is necessary to review patients for some time before the diagnosis becomes relatively certain. The family doctor may suspect the neurological problem, and confirmation of the diagnosis by a Neurologist is desirable.
The diagnosis can be assisted through a range of tests, including some which eliminate other conditions. Often an electromyograph (EMG) is used, in which a needle is inserted into various muscles to measure their electrical activity. This can assist with both diagnosis and prognosis.
What remains unaffected?
In the majority of cases the intellect and memory are not affected, nor are the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and sensation.
The bowels and bladder are not affected by the disease, although diet and exercise should be carefully monitored.
Is there a cure for MND?
At present there is no cure, but co-ordinated research is being carried out across the world and encouraging progress is being made.
Support people include the family, friends, GP's, Neurologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Psychologists, Home Care Nurses and Social Workers.
Information about the support group available in your State can be obtained from the Motor Neurone Disease Association or our Other Motor Neurone Disease Associations Page.
Some Associations, as well as the National Association (MNDAA), employ professionals to provide advice about resources and equipment as well as psychological support, all of which can maximise the quality of life for people living with MND and for their families and other carers.
These professionals work together with those who have personal experience of living with MND and their carers, including those who have cared for their loved ones in the past, to provide support and advice based on a wide understanding of the nature of the issues associated with each stage of the disease.
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