Motor neurone disease

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

It's nearly 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 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

Motor neurone disease is an uncommon condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but 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 does not 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

There's no cure for motor neurone disease, but treatment can help reduce the impact the symptoms have on your life.

You'll be cared for by a team of specialists and a GP.

Treatments include:

• 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 with saliva problems
• emotional support for you and your carer

How it progresses

Motor neurone disease gets gradually worse over time.

Moving around, swallowing and breathing get increasingly difficult, and treatments like a feeding tube or breathing air through a face mask may be needed.

The condition is nearly always fatal eventually, but how long it takes to reach this stage varies a lot.

A few people live for many years or even decades with motor neurone disease.

You might prefer not to know how long you might live. Speak to a GP or your care team if you want to find out more.

More information and support

Having motor neurone disease can be very challenging for you, your friends and your family.

Speak to a GP or your care team if you're struggling to cope and need more support.

You may also find it useful to read more information and advice from the Motor Neurone Disease Association on:

• what motor neurone disease is
• advice if you have 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

Page last reviewed: Tue Jan 2021 Next review due: Tue Jan 2021