Motor Neurons Disease

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Summary:

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching the muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

Statistics:

Charities:

Charitable Organizations	Location	Est.	Services
Irish Motor Neurons Disease Association	Dublin & Galway	1985	Provide Support to people living with Motor Neurons Disease (MND), their families and carers through advocacy, home and professional support

Not-Profit Groups:

Non-Profit Groups	Location	Est.	Services
Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Group	International	2007	This group has been created for all those whose lives have been affected by MND. For those living with it, those who have lost loved ones or have been affected by MND in any way. For support, advice, fundraising ideas and to know you’re not alone.

Information:

What Is Motor Neurons Disease?

Common Symptoms and Effects Of MND

Pain and discomfort: are not caused directly by MND, but may have several indirect causes. Your GP should be able to prescribe a suitable painkiller.

Muscle cramps and spasms: may be relieved by changing position when relaxing in a chair or bed. If this is not helpful your doctor may be able to provide a muscle relaxant.

Stiff joints: can be helped with gentle exercise. A physiotherapist will be able to determine an exercise programme appropriate for your needs.

Incontinence: is not usually associated with MND, but may occur if mobility is restricted and getting to the toilet becomes more difficult. Your occupational therapist and MND nurse can advise you if this is a problem.

Causes of MND

In the vast majority of cases of MND, there is no history of the disease in any of the immediate family members (grandparents, parents, brothers or sisters). This is called “sporadic MND”, because the disease appears for no apparent reason. However, in about 20% of cases, family history of the disease indicates that inherited genetic damage causes the condition; this is termed “familial MND”.

https://imnda.ie/about-mnd/ [1]

Other Forms of Help

Many of the symptoms and subsequent problems can be effectively alleviated by your consultant or G.P. In addition, other professionals such as the physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse, social worker, speech therapist and dietician, can be an invaluable source of help. A range of leaflets dealing with specific problem areas is available from the IMNDA on request.