Motor neurone disease (MND) Flashcards
1
Q
What is MND ?
A
a disease of progressive weakness/paralysis due to death of motor neurones
until innervation to vital systems falters, causing death
2
Q
Who gets MND ?
A
- older ages
- men 50-60s
- women 60-70s - men more than women
- all ethnic groups
3
Q
What is the american term for MND ?
A
ALS
4
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of MND ?
A
- progressive weakness over months (any area of body)
- mixture of UMN and LMN signs in same area
- painless
- typically asymmetrical
- typically spreads to neighbouring areas
- can present with frontotemporal dementia/cognitive impairment
e.g guitarist slowly stops being able to play, speech slowly gets slurred…
5
Q
What are the examination signs of MND ?
A
mixed UMN and LMN picture within same area with no sensory changes
LMN
- general weakness
- wasting and fasciculations
- suppressed reflexes
UMN
- weakness
- increased tone/spasticity
- brisk reflexes
6
Q
What investigations would be done in a person presenting with signs of MND ?
A
- imaging in the area to rule out obstructive/structural causes
- neurophysiology
- lunar puncture if Hx of malignancy to check for inflammation/infection
7
Q
What is the management for MND ?
A
there’s no cure
- patient education
- minodole - helps slow down symptoms
- supportive (mental, financial)
- good/increased nutrition
- gastrostomy earlier in disease
