Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological disorder with destruction of the motor neuron cells that control voluntary muscle activity. It is associated with difficulties speaking, walking, breathing and swallowing because the muscles are not working properly.
The Neurologist will do a physical assessment and order various tests to determine if you have a MND and if so, the type of MND you have. With this valuable information they can determine the most appropriate care for you.
Some of the tests that may be ordered are:
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle, nerve, and spinal cord function or disease during contraction and at rest. Electrical changes are recorded. The test usually lasts about an hour.
- Blood and urine tests.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) shows detailed images of body structures. These images help to rule out diseases other than MND like tumors, trauma, infection, and vascular conditions.
- Muscle or nerve biopsy is a very small tissue sample taken under a local anaesthetic. It provides valuable information about damage.
Only after careful review of all this information will he/she then be more specific as to the type of MND you have presented with to our clinic. There is no cure for MND, but treatment is important to your quality of life.
MND Team
The Neurologist and Team are here to support and care for you before and following the diagnosis. Although there are characteristic symptoms of the various MND diseases we treat, we encourage you to ask questions and know that you may not exhibit all the symptoms.
Treatment
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Assistive Devices
- Nutrition
- Research possibilities
