Types of Motor Neuron Diseases

Receiving a diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) can be a tough moment. A progressive condition that has no cure, it affects the ability to make voluntary movements, significantly hampering daily functionality and overall fitness. However, with adequate knowledge, patients can act quickly to obtain a diagnosis, and commence the best MND treatment in Bangalore. Here's a quick guide on the different types of motor neuron diseases.

Understanding Motor Neuron Disease

MND is a group of neurodegenerative disorders that selectively affects motor neurons, the cells which control all the voluntary muscles of the body. Voluntary muscles are responsible for performing movements under one’s will.

Treatment for MND includesStem Cell Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy.

Types of MND

There are two kinds of neurons in the body – the upper motor neurons in the brain, and the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord. Both control movements in different parts of the body. Doctors classify types based on which neurons have been affected. The main types of MND are listed below:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is the most common form of MND. It affects both the upper and the lower motor neurons. Patients with ALS experience difficulty speaking, swallowing, walking, and breathing as the muscles become progressively weaker. They may also experience muscle cramps or twitches. ALS mostly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. Typical survival time is 3 – 5 years after the diagnosis, although many patients can live much longer with the right kind of treatment, therapy, and support.

Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP)

This is a type of ALS in which the motor neurons at the brainstem are affected. Many patients with PBP, in fact, go on to develop ALS. PBP causes slurred speech and dysphagia (chewing and swallowing troubles). It also affects the ability to control emotions, which means that the patient may cry or laugh without any provocation or reason.

Pseudobulbar Palsy

Similar to PBP, this type of MND impacts the ability to speak, chew, and swallow. Pseudobulbar palsy can also cause patients to burst into tears of peals of laughter without any provocation or reason.

Primary Lateral Sclerosis

This is similar to ALS in terms of symptoms, namely poor balance and coordination, weakness in the limbs, trouble walking, and slurred speech. However, it affects only the upper motor neurons. Unlike ALS, it is not fatal, though the muscles do get weaker as the disease progresses.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

This is an inherited form of MND that occurs due to a defect in the SMN1 gene. It primarily affects the lower motor neurons and causes weakness in the legs, trunk, and arms. Depending on when symptoms first manifest, SMA has four subtypes. These include:

• Type 1: This is also known as Werdnig-Hoffman disease. It affects children around 6 months of age. Symptoms include an inability to lift their head or sit up without support, poor reflexes, poor muscle tone, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
• Type 2: It manifests between 6 and 12 months of age. Children are able to sit, but cannot stand or walk without support. Breathing trouble may also be experienced.
• Type 3: This is also known as Kugelberg-Welander disease. It affects children between 2 and 17 years of age, and often leads to spine curvature or shortened muscles. Patients have difficulty standing, walking, running, and climbing stairs.
• Type 4: It manifests after the age of 30 and mostly affects the muscles in the upper arms and legs. Symptoms include tremors, twitches, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.

Progressive Muscular Atrophy

This is one of the rarest types of MND. It primarily affects the lower motor neurons, with muscle weakness starting in the hands and then spreading to other parts of the body. This condition may develop into ALS over time. It can be inherited or sporadic.

Kennedy’s Disease

This is an inherited form of MND that affects only men, although women can be carriers. Patients display symptoms such as difficulty with speaking and swallowing, weakness in the face and limbs, hand tremors, and muscle cramps. They may also have a reduced sperm count and enlarged breasts.

Living with any of these types of motor neuron diseases can be hard, but appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve the quality of your life.

Stem cell therapy has shown incredible improvement in the quality of life of individuals with MND. Stem cells help slow down the rate of neurodegeneration and also have capacity to self-renew, regenerate the cell, and repair damaged tissue. Stem cell therapy has also benefited those with autoimmune, inflammatory, neurological, and orthopaedic diseases.

Founded by India’s renowned stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq, Plexus Neuro and Stem Cell Research Centre offers more than just a ray of hope. Dr. Sadiq and his team of dedicated, compassionate, and highly-experienced stem cell specialists can offer the best treatment for MND in the form of regenerative rehabilitation. This includes:

• Endurance training and fatigue management
• Strengthening of shoulder muscles, upper and lower limbs, oral structures
• Functional stretching to relieve rigidity and stiffness
• Dysphagia management
• Activities of Daily Living training (ADL)
• Energy conservation and work simplification training
• Functional splinting
• Hand function training
• Counseling and caregiver education

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A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS