Motor neurone disease Flashcards
What is motor neurone disease?
An untreatable and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition
What is the most common subtype of MND?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
What is the average survival time from diagnosis of MND?
3 years
MND is most common in what population?
Caucasian population
Describe the clinical presentation of MND
Muscle weakness and wasting
Speech, swallow and breathing problems
Focal onset and continuous spread
Cognitive impairment
What does MND NOT involve?
Sensory symptoms
How does amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a subtype of MND, most often present?
LMN signs in the arms and UMN signs in the legs
How does progressive muscular atrophy, a subtype of MND, typically present?
LMN signs only
Affects distal muscles first
*Best prognosis
How does primary lateral sclerosis, a subtype of MND, typically present?
UMN signs only
How does progressive bulbar palsy, a subtype of MND, typically present?
Palsy of the tongue, muscle of mastication and facial muscles
Worst prognosis
There is a link between MND/ ALS an which type of dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia
What investigations can be done for MND?
Clinical
EMG
Neuroimaging to rule out other conditions
How is MND managed?
Nutrition
Ventilation
(supportive)
What are the 4 types of MND?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Progressive bulbar palsy
Progressive muscular atrophy
Primary lateral sclerosis
Why is the prevalence of MND not much higher than the incidence?
Patients don’t survive for very long
