Motor Neurone Disease Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the most common type of MND?
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
What key symptoms does progressive bulbar palsy cause?
muscles of talking and swallowing
- tongue wasting
- tongue fasciculations
What is the pathophysiology behind MND?
progressive degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurones
What are the causes/ risk factors of MND?
FHx
smoking
increased exposure to heavy metals and pesticides
What is the typical presentation of MND?
Male 60 years old
affected relative
insidious progressive weakness of muscles throughout the body affecting limbs, trunk, face, speech
weakness often first noticed in upper limbs
increased fatigue when exercising
clumsiness/ dropping things
can develop slurred speech
What are the signs of lower motor neurone disease?
muscle wasting
reduced tone
fasciculations (muscle twitches)
reduced reflexes
What are the signs of upper motor neurone disease?
increased tone/ spasticity
brisk reflexes
upping plantar reflex
How is MND diagnosed?
clinically by excluding other conditions
made by specialists when there is certainty
what treatments are given for MND?
riluzole - can slow progression and extend survival by several months
baclofen - for muscle spasticity
antimuscarinic - for excessive saliva
benzodiazepines - for SOB worsened by anxiety
What type of dementia is associated with MND?
frontotemporal dementia
