Motor neuron diseases (MND) covers a range of neurological diseases which affect the motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for the activity of voluntary muscles. The disease is characterized by the gradual loss of function and loss of motor neuron cells that cause muscles weakness, atrophy as well as loss of function. This blog explores the various types of motor neuron diseases and their symptoms, as well as the available treatments, as in rehabilitation options.
What is Motor Neuron Disease?
Motor neuron diseases (MND) is an assortment of diseases that cause motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain to degrade. Motor neurons are vital in transmitting signalling from the brain into muscles, which allows coordination and movement. If the motor neurons are damaged, this leads to the loss of strength and weakness of muscles.
The 4 Types of MND
There exist four primary kinds of MND. They are divided into four types each one with its own distinct features and development patterns. Understanding the various types is vital to determine the diagnosis, management and treatment.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Introduction: ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is the most prevalent type of MND. It is a disease that affects both the upper motor neurons of the brain as well as the lower motor neurons of the spinal cord.
The signs: ALS typically starts with the muscles becoming weak and atrophied in the limbs, which leads to difficulty speaking, walking as well as swallowing. Twitching and muscle cramps are also typical.
Progressive: ALS is a progressive disease, often resulting in substantial disability in a matter of years.
Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP)
Introduction: PBP primarily affects the motor neurons that are located in the brainstem that are which control muscles that control swallowing, speaking and breathing.
The early signs include trouble swallowing, slurred speech and even the possibility of choking. When the condition progresses it could lead to severe difficulties with swallowing and speech.
Progress: PBP often progresses faster than other forms of MND.
Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA)
Summary: PMA Progressive Muscular Atrophy affects just the motor neurons located in the lower part of the spinal cord, which leads the muscles to weaken and loss of predominantly in the legs and arms.
Signs and symptoms: Initial symptoms include muscle weakness, twitching and cramping in feet and hands. Contrary to ALS, PMA does not cause problems with the upper motor neuron.
Progress: PMA progresses more slowly than ALS However, it can eventually cause significant impairment.
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
Summary: PLS Primary Lateral Sclerosis is a condition that affects only the motor neurons of the upper part of the brain, resulting in stiffness and weakness as well as spasticity in the muscles.
The first signs are difficulties walking, balance issues and muscle stiffness. Contrary to ALS, PLS does not cause damage to the motor neurons in the lower.
Progression: PLS develops slowly and is generally thought to be less serious than other forms of MND.
Different Forms of MND
Although the four major kinds of MND are clearly defined, there are various rare and atypical varieties of motor neuron diseases with distinct features and progression patterns.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
SMA SPINAL MUSCULAR ATHYPSIS can be described as an inheritable type of Motor Neuron Disease caused by an error of the SMN1 gene. It mostly affects motor neurons in the lower regions which causes weakness in the trunk, legs and arms. SMA is classified in four subtypes according to the age at which symptoms first appear and the severity of symptoms.
Symptoms and Progression
Type 1 (Werdnig-Hoffman Disease):
Signs and symptoms: Affects infants as young as six months old. The symptoms include the inability to stand up or sit upright without support, weak reflexes, weak muscles and trouble breathing and swallowing.
Progression The most serious form, with rapid progress and a high chance of developing respiratory complications.
Type 2:
The symptoms manifest between 6 and 12 month. Children may sit, but are unable to walk or stand without assistance. Trouble breathing can be a possibility.
Progression: Less rapid progression than Type 1, however, major respiratory and mobility issues could arise.
Type 3 (Kugelberg-Welander Disease):
Children are affected between 2 to seventeen years of age. Signs of the disease include a curvature in the spine muscle truncation, weakness in standing and walking, running and climbing steps.
Progression: Generally speaking, slow progression, with some retaining walking for decades however, mobility diminishes over time.
Type 4:
Signs and symptoms: Show up after age 30 and primarily affects muscle groups in upper legs and arms. The symptoms include twitches, tremors as well as muscle weakness and trouble breathing.
Progression: Slowly progressing with symptoms mostly affecting breathing and muscle strength.
Hirayama Disease
It was first discovered by Dr. Hirayama in 1959, Hirayama disease is a very rare neurological disorder. It is most commonly seen in young males between 15 and 25 years.
Hirayama disease can also be described as known as monomelic amyotrophy (MMA) or juvenile muscular atrophy of the upper limbs that are distal. It is distinguished by the progressive weakness of muscles and atrophy, mostly in the forearms and hands. It is thought to be due to an axial displacement that occurs in the cervical spine in neck flexion. This causes chronic microcirculatory changes as well as inflammation in an anterior horn cell of spinal cord.
Symptoms
Atrophy and weakness of muscles
Hands shake
The loss of grip strength
Fasciculations
Progression
The course of Hirayama disease has a distinct pattern
The Initial Stage: Atrophy and muscle weakness start with one hand or forearm.
Progressive phase: In the course of 1 to 5 years Atrophy and weakness increase often affecting the opposite leg.
Plateau Phase: The disease is stabilized with only minor further deterioration.
The Long-Term phase: Most patients remain in good health, but atrophy and weakness in muscles continues to affect daily activities.
Diagnosing Motor Neuron Disease
Because the symptoms of MND are similar to other illnesses It is therefore possible to diagnose it at the beginning of the course may be a challenge. In order to exclude MND the neurologist might request these tests
Blood tests
An MRI of the spine and brain
Alumbar puncture is used to determine the spinal fluid
Electromyography (EMG) to determine the muscle's electrical activity when it is stimulated
Motor Neuron Disease Treatment in Bangalore
Rehabilitation is a key factor in the management of motor neuron diseases as well as improving quality of living for patients. At Plexus Bangalore, our comprehensive rehabilitation programs for MND include:
Stem therapy with cells
Stem cells treatment to treat MND is basically an regenerative therapy that utilizes the body's own healing process to treat a variety of diseases. Injecting stem cells reduce the process of neurodegeneration. They can also regenerate and self-renew cells and repair damaged tissues.
Therapy for occupational therapy
Therapy for occupational disorders (OT) for MND/ALS allows patients to carry out every day activities with more ease as they help them manage their symptoms. OT can help restore strength, increase endurance as well as hand performance, as well as help manage fatigue. MND patients have experienced impressive improvements in their motor performance and their ability to complete every day tasks without relying on caregivers. At Plexus our team of highly experienced and skilled occupational therapists will assist you in improving your functionality and help you regain your independence.
Therapy is extremely beneficial to patients suffering from neurological conditions particularly those suffering from MND. One of the most significant advantages of physiotherapy is improvement in posture and reduction of joint stiffness. The inevitable weakness of muscles and atrophy can be pushed further away since the patient doesn't have all mobility yet. Experienced for decades with a wealth of experience, Plexus' physical therapists of Plexus can develop an exercise program which is line with the needs of the patient lifestyle, goals, and expectations.
Speech and therapy for the language
MND causes muscles in the tongue, mouth, and throat to shrink. This can cause problems swallowing and is also known as dysphagia. It is a frequent and progressive manifestation of MND. Speech therapists can assist patients to keep up with communication abilities, and swallowing abilities. Speech therapy can go an extensive way to manage the symptoms and assisting patients to regain the ability to create sounds and words.
The use of muscle relaxants and other medications
In addition to treatments that improve function as well, a doctor could suggest muscle relaxants to ease stiff muscles and lessen drooling attributed to dysphagia.
Plexus" rehabilitation to treat MND includes:
Fitness training for endurance and endurance
Stretching that is functional to ease stiff muscles
Hand function training
Functional splinting
The strengthening of muscles in the neck, shoulder and limbs of the upper and lower and oral structures
Activities for everyday life training
Energy conservation and simplification of work education
Assistance with counseling and support for caregivers
Living with MND isn't easy However, the support of medical professionals, family members and other community resources can make a big impact. Counseling services, support groups and palliative care are crucial components of a the complete MND treatment.
To learn more about we can help you with our MND rehabilitation programs can help, contact the team at Plexus at Bangalore now.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 82299 99888
You can also reach us through our center situated in Hyderabad.
Call +91 78159 64668