Motor Neuron Disease

What is a motor neuron disease?
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a medical catch-all that references a group of progressive neurological disorders that deteriorate motor neurons (see types below). Motor neurons are the mechanisms that communicate and control voluntary muscles in the body. As motor neurons are destroyed by motor neuron disease, speech, movement (both upper and lower), breathing and swallowing are affected in a progressive manner.

What are the types of motor neuron disease?

• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)
• spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
• progressive bulbar palsy (PBP)
• primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)

What are the signs and symptoms of motor neuron disease?
Affects of motor neuron disease can be seen in any of the following: legs, arms, torso and/or areas above the neck. Signs of motor neuron disease include difficulty swallowing, loss of balance, inability to control legs or arms, spasticity, brisk reflexes, muscle weakness or muscle atropy.

How can an MND support group help people affected with motor neuron disease?
Support groups, both online and in person can help individuals affected with motor neuron disease communicate with others affected by similar diseases. Our forum has over a thousand members that can help you through diagnosis, provide valuable insight into living with MND, offer friendly chatter and much needed personable support while you battle this deadly disease. The task of learning about motor neuron disease, finding resources and others that understand the severity of this disease is important.

Join the forums and speak with others that are on this unfortunate journey with MND.