Motor neurone disease

Question 1

symptoms of motor neurone disease

Answer 1

wasting of upper and lower limbs associated with progressive worsening mobility
mix of upper and lower neurological signs
never any associated sensory or cerebellar signs. ocular movement is preserved

difficulty with speech and chocking whilst eating and drinking

Question 2

investigations for motor neurone disease

Answer 2

EMG (electromyography) (evaluates health condition of muscles and nerve cells)

myelogram
muscle biopsy
MRI of cervical spine and brainstem
lumbar puncture

Question 3

motor neurone disease differentials

Answer 3

cervical spondylosis with associated radiculomyeloopathy

Question 4

pseudo bulbar palsy

Answer 4

damage of the motor fibres travelling from cerebral cortex tot he lower brain stem

Question 5

cause of pseudo bulbar palsy

Answer 5

• motor neurone disease
• vascular (infarction)
• Parkinson’s
• demyelination
• metabolic causes (osmotic demyelination syndrome)