Any of several diseases, often familial, characterized by loss of muscle mass, increasing paralysis, and other signs of impaired muscular function.
Progressive weakness and deterioration of muscle tissue, caused by degenerative nervous diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
A group of rare, progressive disorders in which the nerves that control muscle activity degenerate within the brain and spinal cord. This results in muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness. The cause of motor neuron disease is unknown.
A progressive degenerative disease of the motor system occurring in middle age and causing muscle weakness and wasting. It primarily affects the cells of the anterior horn of the spinal cord, the motor nuclei in the brainstem, and the corticospinal fibers. There are three clinically distinct forms: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, and progressive bulbar palsy.
An aqueous solution with antiseptic, astringent, or deodorizing properties used for daily rinsing of the mouth and teeth. Mouthwashes are used to prevent dental caries and to treat mild throat infections.
A set of conditions characterized by the deterioration of nerves in the central nervous system that regulate muscle movement. This nerve breakdown leads to muscle weakness and atrophy. The exact cause remains unidentified.
The most prevalent form of this condition is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. It typically impacts individuals over 50 and is more frequent in men. Some instances have a familial link. Symptoms often begin with hand, arm, or leg weakness and muscle degeneration. This can be accompanied by sporadic muscle contractions, along with cramps or rigidity. Eventually, all limbs are affected.
Progressive muscular atrophy and progressive bulbar palsy are conditions that begin with muscle weakness patterns distinct from ALS, but they typically evolve into ALS over time.
Two forms of motor neuron disease emerge in childhood or adolescence. These conditions are typically genetic. Werdnig-Hoffman disease impacts infants either at birth or shortly after, and in the majority of cases, the advancing muscle weakness results in death within a few years. Chronic spinal muscular atrophy, which starts during childhood or adolescence, leads to increasing weakness but doesn’t always result in severe disability.
Motor neuron disease doesn’t have specific diagnostic tests. A neurologist determines the diagnosis through a thorough clinical assessment. Additional tests, such as EMG, muscle biopsy, blood tests, myelography, CT scans, or MRI, might be conducted.
The condition usually advances, impacting the muscles responsible for breathing and swallowing, often resulting in death within a span of two to four years.
While the progression of nerve deterioration cannot be halted, physiotherapy and the use of assistive devices can help manage the disability. Riluzole is a medication employed to prolong life or delay the need for mechanical ventilation in individuals diagnosed with ALS.