Motor Neurone Disease
stephenNeurological Conditions
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) describes a group of diseases that affect the nerves (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord that tell your muscles what to do.
Facts about MND
- There is no known cause of MND
- About 1 in 300 people will be diagnosed with MND
- It generally affects people over 50, but can occur much younger
- About 15% of people diagnosed with MND have an inherited, or familial, form
Symptoms and Effects
Like so many neurological conditions, each person is affected differently both in the symptoms suffered and their rate of progression.
Symptoms of motor neurone disease occur gradually and may not be noticed at first. Early symptoms can include:
- slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty in swallowing
- weakness in your ankle or leg - you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs
- a weakened 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
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) describes a group of diseases that affect the nerves (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord that tell your muscles what to do.
Symptoms and Effects
Like so many neurological conditions, each person is affected differently both in the symptoms suffered and their rate of progression.
Symptoms of motor neurone disease occur gradually and may not be noticed at first. Early symptoms can include:
- slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty in swallowing
- weakness in your ankle or leg - you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs
- a weakened 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
Facts about MND
- There is no known cause of MND
- About 1 in 300 people will be diagnosed with MND
- It generally affects people over 50, but can occur much younger
- About 15% of people diagnosed with MND have an inherited, or familial, form
Help is at hand
If you live in the North West, you can directly access our on-site supports. We offer a range of holistic therapies that can benefit the mind and body, and our premium online support service Mpath can offer advice on a wide range of topics, as well as 24/7 helpline staff by professional counsellors and mental health professionals.
We can assist with transport if required, whether for hospital appointments or a family day out. We also offer the use of our all-terrain wheelchair to faciliate a day out to the beach or a walk in the woods.
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association is a national body specifically for sufferers of MND. Visit their website for a wealth of information and advice about your condition. The IMNDA have four specialist MND nurses who will guide and support you throughout your illness.
Help is at hand
If you live in the North West, you can directly access our on-site supports. We offer a range of holistic therapies that can benefit the mind and body, and our premium online support service Mpath can offer advice on a wide range of topics, as well as 24/7 helpline staff by professional counsellors and mental health professionals.
We can assist with transport if required, whether for hospital appointments or a family day out. We also offer the use of our all-terrain wheelchair to faciliate a day out to the beach or a walk in the woods.
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association is a national body specifically for sufferers of MND. Visit their website for a wealth of information and advice about your condition. The IMNDA have four specialist MND nurses who will guide and support you throughout your illness.