Motor Neurone Disease Flashcards
What is the median survival upon onset of symptoms?
3 years
At what age is motor neurone disease likely to present?
50-75 years
What is the epidemiology of MND?
90% sporadic
10% Familial link
What are the four types of MND
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Primary Lateral Sclerosis
Progressive Muscular Atrophy
Progressive Bulbar Palsy
What is the most common subtype of MND?
ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
How does ALS present?
With both Lower and Upper motor neurones features
Poor prognosis
How does PLS present?
Upper motor neurone features
Good survival >5yrs
How does Progressive Muscular Atrophy present?
LMN features
30% have UMN features
UMN - Clinical signs
Increased tone Hyper reflexa Extensor Plantar Response Spastic gait Exaggerated Jaw jerk Slowed movement
LMN - Clinical signs
Muscle wasting
Weakness
Fasciculations(spontaneous muscle twitch)
Absent or reduced tendon reflexs
What form of MND affects the lower cranial nerves?
progressive bulbar palsy
Who is affected by progressive bulbar palsy?
F>M
60 - 80 years
What muscles are affected by Progressive bulbar palsy?
Facial Tongue Pharyngeal
What are the main issues surrounding Progressive bulbar Palsy?
Dysphagia - risk of choking
Dysarthia - Can’t communicate
Why is it called progressive bulbar palsy?
As the disease always progresses to become ALS.
What are the treatments for Progressive Bulbar Palsy?
Therapeutic - communication devise, nutritional support, care for the URT.
What common syndrome presents in ALS?
Split Hand syndrome - selective wasting of muscles within the hand
What muscles show wasting in Split Hand syndrome?
First dorsal Interosseus
Abductor Pollicis
What muscles are preserved in Split Hand syndrome?
Abductor Digit minimi
What form of dementia is linked to ALS?
Frontotemporal
What are the diagnostic criteria for ALS?
Signs of UMN LMN degeneration
Electrophysiological and Neuropathological investigation
Signs in 2/3 vertebral segments on MRI
What is the primary treatment for ALS?
Rilozole 50mg x2
Why is nutrition and hydration support in ALS so impotent?
Metabolic rate is doubled and weight loss indicates a very poor prognosis.
What is a clinical priority in regards to ALS?
Insertion of a Gastrostomy
What is sialorrhoea?
Excessive drooling
What is the treatment for sialorrhoea?
Hyoscine Hydrobromide
Glycopyrronium
Botulin injection
In ALS what is used to treat Muscle Cramps?
Baclofen
Quinine
In ALS what is used to treat Muscle Spasms?
Baclofen
Gabapentin
Tizanidine