Motor Neurone Disease

[maggieT]

Can someone tell me about MND ( Motor Neurone Disease ). I mean what causes it ? I know it's terminal but how long does it usually take. I can't find any answers. ??

[Cat]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medic ... 500231.stm
this may be of some use let me know if it helps

[Mish Mash]

My husband died of MND 5 years ago. I cared for him for 3 years. From what I know, there is no known cause, and no cure. David had if for 3 years, he was told 3 - 5 years, but I know personally, where people are still going strong 10 years on. Steven Hawkins is an example, he has lived with this disease for over 30 years. A lot depends on the type of MND as there 3 different types. Amyotrophic Lateral Scierosis is the most common, affecting the limbs first, swallowing later.Progressive Bulbar Palsy is less common in which speech and swallowing are affected, and Progressive Musclar Atrophy is uncommon and consists of increasing weakness and wasting of muscles in arm and legs without involving speech and swallowing. No one can really give you a time as it depends on the person as well.There is an MND assoc. with meeting, throughout Aust.It is a very confusing time and I understand completely where you are at this moment in time,please PM me if you need to discuss this privately

[Graham]

Hi maggieT,

You can't find an answer to your question because, well, there isn't one. Sounds like you have done some searching so you will have a good knowledge of the basics. I'll cut to the chase and give you an answer/s.

Cause: Unknown.
Duration: Differs. Generally between 3 months to 35yrs. A pattern will emerge while unpredictable your physician can narrow a time span.

Motor Neurone Disease progressively attacks a persons ability to control their muscles. The nerve cells (neurones) which normally stimulate and control function of the muscles start to fail. That is what happens. Nobody knows why it only occurs in certain people. It does appear in a broad spectrum of people around the globe not discriminating against race, colour, age, sex, lifestyle or location. Equally as unpredictable is the progression from diagnosis to expiry. While some are taken rapidly others endure the loss of muscle function more slowly, over many many years. Inevitably all are taken. Motor Neurone Disease at least to me seems to be becoming more and more prevalent amongst us, therefore so is research into finding the answers to your questions. Currently however there is no cure.

I know the love and support of your family and friends must be called upon and will help cushion the devastating impact of MND. A wise friend currently living with Motor Neurone Disease told me, "One of the worst things is never knowing how you'll be next week." It makes it difficult to plan ahead and attend engagements. I've also seen how loved ones will feel the affects long after the afflicted person's gone. Be kind to your carers people.

My love hope and best wishes go out to you maggieT.

[maggieT]

Oh Thank-you everybody.

It's nice to know there is so much support from wonderful people like you guys. My friend is showing symptoms and her psychian has refered her to a specialist. We have our fingers crossed but it doesn't look good. She's only 28.

[Mish Mash]

Hi Maggie T

I sincerley hope that the diagnoses isnt MND. sometimes the symptoms can be the same as numerous other problems. 28 is very young to be burdened with this. I will keep my fingers crossed and keep you in my thoughts. Please let me know if I can help in any way

[mercury12]

Thank you graham for sharing some helpful points regarding these illness. I was also not aware about this disease and got some useful information from you.