Motor neurone disease

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time.

It's always fatal and can significantly shorten life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years. There’s no cure, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on your daily life.

Symptoms of motor neurone disease

Symptoms of motor neurone disease come on 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 crying or laughing in inappropriate situations

Who gets it and why

Motor neurone disease is an uncommon condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages.

It's caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. These cells gradually stop working over time. It's not known why this happens.

Having a close relative with motor neurone disease, or a related condition called frontotemporal dementia, can sometimes mean you're more likely to get it. But it doesn't run in families in most cases.

When to see a GP

See a GP if:

• you think you may have early symptoms of motor neurone disease – they'll consider other possible conditions and can refer you to a specialist called a neurologist if necessary
• a close relative has motor neurone disease or frontotemporal dementia and you're worried you may be at risk of it – they may refer you to a genetic counsellor to talk about your risk and any tests you can have

It's unlikely you have motor neurone disease, but getting a correct diagnosis as early as possible can help you get the care and support you need.

Tests and diagnosis

It can be difficult to diagnose motor neurone disease in the early stages. There's no single test for it and several conditions cause similar symptoms.

To help rule out other conditions, a neurologist may arrange:

• blood tests
• a scan of your brain and spine
• tests to measure the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves
• a lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) – when a thin needle is used to remove and test the fluid from within your spine

• 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 make swallowing easier
• emotional support for you and your carer

• what motor neurone disease is
• advice if you've just been diagnosed with motor neurone disease
• living with motor neurone disease
• help that's available for people with motor neurone disease
• support for friends, family and carers