What is MND?: Brief Details
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a related group of diseases which destroy the motor nerves (neurones) in the body. Symptoms vary, MND can cause paralysis, impair speech and cause eating and drinking difficulties. As MND progresses, the motor neurones of the body are gradually damaged. This blocks the stimulating signals from the brain reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken. This page contains brief information about the illness.
Diagnosing MND
Unfortunately there is no specific test for MND. Less than 20% are thought to be genetic and MND can be diagnosed by identifying the pattern in families. In most cases MND is diagnosed by a process of eliminationwith other illnesses. Diagnosis can take a long time and may be difficult because the pattern of symptoms varies between individuals, and may be similar to those seen in other conditions.
Treatments
There is currently no cure for MND, however a drug called Riluzole has been proven to slow the progression of ALS. Research moves closer finding new genes linked to MND and specific processes involved. Unfortunately there are many unproven treatments. These treatments are normally expensive and have little benefit.
Detailed MND Facts
Further details can be accessed via a collection of downloadable Infofacts on the Library and Information Page.
FAQs
A selection of straight forward answers to your questions on our FAQ page.
Possible Areas Affected
1. Arm muscle
2. Tongue
3. UPPER MOTOR NEURONES
4. BRAINSTEM (BULBAR) LOWER MOTOR NEURONES
5. Axon bundles (nerves)
6. Rib muscles involved in breathing
7. SPINAL LOWER MOTOR NEURONS
8. Leg muscle
Various Forms
If lower motor neurone damage occurs the reflexes for the affected muscles are slowly destroyed, so the muscle becomes flaccid and paralysed. If the upper motor neurones are damaged eventually the muscles becomes spastic and paralysed. As MND progresses symptoms can combine. There are four most typical forms of MND:
Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association, 76 Firhill Road,, Glasgow, G20 7BA,
Tel: 0141 945 1077, Fax: 0141 945 2578, email: 
The Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, number 217735.
It is registered as a Scottish Charity with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), SCO 02662.