It might be misdiagnosed as a stroke. As the condition progresses, it may become increasingly difficult to swallow (dysphagia). This might be misdiagnosed as a blockage in the throat. In rare cases, MND starts by affecting the lungs, rather than affecting them at the end of the condition.
The key presenting feature of MND is progressive, painless weakness, and thus the list of potential differential diagnoses is long (see Table 2). Despite this, and the clinical variability discussed above, the misdiagnosis rate for MND is relatively low at 7–8%.
In 1 out of 4 cases, the first MND symptoms will affect the muscles used for speaking and swallowing. These problems might initially affect the muscles used for speech and swallowing. Increasingly slurred speech (dysarthria) is usually the first sign of this type of MND. It might be misdiagnosed as a stroke.
A person with MND will usually die between two to three years after diagnosis, but this can vary from person to person.
There is no single diagnostic test for MND. Diagnosis is based on features in the clinical history and examination, usually accompanied by electrophysiological tests, which will include EMG and nerve conduction studies.
Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) scans
An MRI scan will not diagnose MND, because the damage caused by MND does not show up on this scan. It is a tool for eliminating other conditions that can mimic symptoms of MND.
The diagnosis of ALS and other forms of MND is usually delayed. 3 Currently, conventional and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not included in the diagnostic criteria for MND and are used only to exclude MND mimics.
Generally, MND is believed to be caused because of a combination of environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors. Most cases of MND develop without an obvious cause. Around 1 in 10 cases are 'familial', meaning the condition is inherited. This is due to a genetic mutation, or an error in the gene.
The MRI scan cannot diagnose motor neurone disease but can look for evidence of other causes of a patient's symptoms such as damage to the spinal cord in the neck (upper motor neurone) and the nerves that leave the neck to supply the muscles (lower motor neurone) caused by 'wear and tear' changes.
Lifestyle and environment
These studies have found possible links between MND and: mechanical and/or electrical trauma. military service. high levels of exercise.
Living With a Motor Neuron Disease
Some are milder and progress more slowly than others. Although there is no cure for motor neuron diseases, medicines and therapy can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
According to Dr. Lee, the first step after being told you have ALS should be to seek a second opinion from a specialist to confirm your diagnosis. There are several afflictions that mimic ALS, ranging from HTLV to something as simple as a vitamin B12 deficiency.
A diagnosis of MND is emotional for everyone involved. Feelings can be unpredictable and intense, but these are natural reactions and to be expected. Some people with MND experience changes to emotions, thinking and behaviour, which may need specific support.
You are likely to be more than 40 years old at diagnosis, and most people with MND are aged between 50 and 70.
It can affect adults of any age, but is more likely to affect people over 50. We provide further statistics if you would like more detail, but please be aware these contain sensitive content. As motor neurone disease is not common, general health and social care professionals may not see many cases.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neuron Disease
These muscles are responsible for performing movements under one's will and thus, motor neuron diseases affect one's ability to perform voluntary movements. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system.
Bulbar onset motor neurone disease occurs in about 20% of those affected. The first sign is usually slurring of the speech, caused by impaired tongue movement, which may be accompanied by obvious wasting and fasciculation of the tongue (fig 1 (bottom)).
Motor neurone disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time. There's no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life. Some people live with the condition for many years.
Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) is a rare disease marked by slow but progressive damage to only the lower motor neurons. It largely affects men, and usually at a younger age than most other adult-onset MNDs. Weakness is typically seen first in the hands and then spreads into the lower body, where it can be severe.
A cure for the genetic forms of MND is close, probably 3 years away, and we are hoping for a cure for the sporadic form (90% of patients) within the decade.” Judy, who has been part of the trial for 12 months, does not know if she was on the active arm of the trial or the placebo arm for the first nine months.
Is MND painful? Motor neurones do not transmit or modify pain signals, so the disease itself is not inherently painful. 2 However, pain may be experienced as the disease progresses. Pain may occur at any stage of MND, including early on, with no relationship between pain intensity and length of time since diagnosis.