MND simple

Question 1

What is MND?

Answer 1

1. Progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing weakness in the muscle

Question 2

What are the early symptoms of MND? (7)

Answer 2

1. Weakness in ankle/leg
2. Slurred speech
3. Dysphagia
4. Weak grip
5. Muscle cramps and twitches
6. Weight loss
7. Emotional lability

Question 3

How is MND classified? (2)

Answer 3

1. Sporadic or inherited?

2. UMN, LMN or both?

Question 4

What are the 4 main types of MND?

Answer 4

1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
2. Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
3. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)
4. Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP)

Question 5

Who gets MND?

Answer 5

Mainly affects 50-70

Question 6

How is MND diagnosed?

Answer 6

1. Clinical findings (eg. LMN, UMD, patterns of weakness)
2. Family history
3. Tests

Question 7

What tests are used to diagnose MND? (5)

Answer 7

1. Blood tests
2. MRI
3. EMG and nerve conduction study (NCS)
4. Lumbar puncture to obtain CSF
5. Tissue biopsy if EMG/NCS are inconclusive (rare)

Question 8

How is MND treated?

Answer 8

1. No cure, treatment is symptomatic
2. Specialist care
3. Medication

Question 9

What specialists would be involved in MND care? (4)

Answer 9

1. Specialised clinics eg. nurse and OT
2. Physiotherapy
3. SLT
4. Dietitian

Question 10

What medicines can be used to treat MND?

Answer 10

1. Riluzole: slow down progression of condition

2. Relieve stiffness and make swallowing easier