Motor neurone disease is a rare condition affecting the brain and nerves. It eventually leads to death, but some people live with it for many years.
Symptoms of motor neurone disease include muscle weakness, twitches, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms get worse over time.
Motor neurone disease happens when cells in the brain and nerves, called motor neurones, gradually stop working. It's not known why this happens.
Treatment for motor neurone disease aims to ease the symptoms as much as possible. Treatments include physiotherapy, speech therapy and medicines.
Read more on the NHS website.
Symptoms of motor neurone disease include muscle weakness, twitches, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms get worse over time.
Symptoms of motor neurone disease
Symptoms of motor neurone disease happen gradually and may not be obvious at first.
Early symptoms can include:
- weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs
- slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foods
- a weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons
- muscle cramps and twitches
- weight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time
- difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations
Read more on the NHS website.
Treatment for motor neurone disease aims to ease the symptoms as much as possible. Treatments include physiotherapy, speech therapy and medicines.
Medical treatments
There's no cure for motor neurone disease, but treatment can help reduce the impact the symptoms have on your life.
You'll be cared for by a team of specialists and a GP.
Treatments include:
- highly specialised clinics, typically involving a specialist nurse and occupational therapy to help make everyday tasks easier
- physiotherapy and exercises to maintain strength and reduce stiffness
- advice from a speech and language therapist
- advice from a dietitian about diet and eating
- a medicine called riluzole that can slightly slow down the progression of the condition
- medicines to relieve muscle stiffness and help with saliva problems
- emotional support for you and your carer
Read more on the NHS website.
Motor neurone disease happens when cells in the brain and nerves, called motor neurones, gradually stop working. It's not known why this happens.
Read more on the NHS website.