Motor Neuron Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is MND?
A
A group of progressive diseases which affect the motor nerves
2
Q
What are risk factors for MND?
A
- Family history
- Smoking
- Heavy metal/pesticide exposure
3
Q
What are the 4 types of MND?
A
- ALS (UMN+LMN)
- Progressive bulbar palsy (Dysfunction of brainstem motor nuceli)
- Progressive muscular atrophy (LMN)
- PLS (UMN)
4
Q
How does MND present?
A
- Late-middle aged man
- Insidious onset
- Progressive weakness of muscles through the body, often upper limbs first
- Fatigue
- No sensory signs
- LMN signs: Muscle wasting, reduced tone, fasciculations, reduced reflexes
- UMNs signs: Increased tone/spasticity, brisk reflexes, upgoing plantar reflex
5
Q
How is MND investigated?
A
- Clinical diagnosis
- Nerve conduction studies, EMG and MRI can be done to exclude differentials
6
Q
How is MND managed?
A
- ALS: Riluzole prevents stimulation of glutamate receptors
- Non-invasive ventilation used at night
- PEG feeding
- End of life care
