Skip to content

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Understanding MND

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Depending on whether Upper Motor Neurons are affected or Lower Motor Neurons are affected and the neural pathway that is degenerating, symptoms can vary. Usually, symptoms are mild earlier on and tend to be ignored. It can occur to anyone, however, it is more common amongst people in their 60s and 70s.

Generally, early symptoms can be : 

  • weakness or stiffness in legs, arms, ankles
  • clumsiness or lack of coordination
  • trouble speaking or swallowing
  • muscle cramps
  • fatigue
  • muscle wasting or weight loss
  • breathing problems
  • changes to thinking or behavior
  • mood swings or emotional changes

Every case of MND is different and you should not panic if you have any of these symptoms. Usually, there are a whole set of various reasons why you might have them. If the issue is persisting, bothering you, or getting worse consult a general physician or a neurologist. They will do a series of tests and experiments that rule out various possibilities, helping to arrive at a diagnosis of MND if that is the case. You can also get in touch with us in case you need more help or resources.

Some of the major tests used to detect MND are:


Electromyography (EMG)- This uses fine needles to record and study impulses in the nerves. The muscles that are affected by MND will show abnormal patterns due to issues with the signal transmission between motor neurons and the muscles.

   
Along with this, another test called “Nerve Conduction Tests”, can be done simultaneously. This involves using a small pad to transmit electrical impulses, and then measuring it to find out how well the nerves carry the signal.


Another test called “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation” which uses magnetic fields to measure the activity of the upper motor neurons can also be used to diagnose MND along with the EMG.


MRI:
This produces detailed images of the body, which is used to rule out other possible diseases that could cause the symptoms.


Blood tests:
These are also used to rule out other diseases. In some cases of MND a substance called kinase is produced, which can be determined through blood tests. However, this is not used for conclusively determining if it is MND.

Treatment

There is no cure for MND, however treatment can be used to slow progression, improve the quality of life and to compensate for loss of mobility. This involves working with a multi-disciplinary team that typically should include a neurologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, specialist nurse, social worker, dietitian, speech and language therapist, respiratory nurse, and respiratory and palliative care doctors.

This requires for more multidisciplinary clinics to be set up in India for MND.

Neurologists or physicians will be vital for the diagnosis and supervision of the patient until the end. The neurologist can also coordinate the treatment according to the needs of the patient and in consideration of the progression of symptoms. Post the diagnosis, a primary care team is vital for the patient, and the doctor generally recommends the patient to such a team. Physiotherapists help in navigating gait, exercise, movement, and posture. They help in maintaining and improving muscle strength, reduce stiffness of the joints, maintain flexibility of the muscles, etc. They can also advise caregivers on exercises, safely moving the patient, massages, etc. Occupational therapists help the person adapt and compensate for changes in function through the use of specialised equipment, home modifications, or other strategies. Thus, they can help maximise the independence of the patient and improve their participation in daily activities. A Respiratory Specialist can help in cases where breathing becomes difficult through advising on how to deal with it and helping provide non-invasive ventilation equipment. As malnutrition due to feeding issues is a common problem in MND, it is important to work with a good dietician that can address the needs of the patient. Speech becomes more difficult as the condition progresses, and thus a speech and language therapist can help navigate that. All of the various professionals also have to work together to ensure a holistic care plan is in place.

In the last stages, a good palliative care team can ensure the quality of life for the affected and emotional support for loved ones.

In terms of medication- when it comes to ALS, Riluzole is the only drug that has slowed the progression of the symptoms and has exhibited an increase in survival by three to six months. Generally, medication for MND treats symptoms such as excessive drooling, breathlessness, cramps, spasms, pain, etc.

 

Dr. Alexander Thomas | President, AHPI

As President of AHPI and National Board Accredited Institutions (ANBAI), Founder-President (2012-2017) and Patron of the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), Dr. Thomas has effected far-reaching policy changes within the healthcare landscape, including incorporating healthcare communication among the NABH accreditation standards and in the Indian medical curricula, leading the expert group on medical education for the National Education Policy 2019 headed by Dr. Kasturirangan, and creating a national network of healthcare associations with the IMA, CII, FICCI , NATHEALTH and ASSOCHAM, a think tank on health (with NLSUI), and liaising between government and health stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has developed major initiatives at the State level, especially in Karnataka, and served on committees of the Union Health Ministry, NABH, HSSC, CII, FICCI, UNESCO, PHFI, and NBE.

He is a Visiting Faculty at IIM-B and NLSIU, pioneering several healthcare training initiatives.

His recent publications include books on healthcare communication and healthcare quality, and white papers submitted to the Government of India.

He was awarded the Emeritus Teacher Award by NBE (2014), the National Distinguished Services Award by the IMA (2016), and the Lifetime Achievement Award by CAHO (2018).

AHPI Founders page:

AHPI India

Online biodata:

Dr. Alexander Thomas President, AHPI

LinkedIn:

Dr. Alexander Thomas – President – Association of Healthcare Providers – AHPI (India)

Zoom Link:

NIMHANS & Dr. Shyama Narang Foundation is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Second International Conference on ALS/MND – “Breaking Barriers in the Treatment of MND/ALS”
Time: Jun 21st & 22nd 2023 09:15 AM India

Join Zoom Meeting
https://nimhans-ac-in.zoom.us/j/82508494791?pwd=RDhUWUxlRFo4b0dBbGNjcjBXWk84UT09

Meeting ID: 825 0849 4791
Passcode: 626500

One tap mobile
+17207072699,,82508494791#,,,,*626500# US (Denver)
+12532050468,,82508494791#,,,,*626500# US

Dial by your location
• +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US

Meeting ID: 825 0849 4791
Passcode: 626500

Find your local number: https://nimhans-ac-in.zoom.us/u/kbZQ2TYAEJ
————–
Join by SIP
• 82508494791@zoomcrc.com
————–
Join by H.323
• 162.255.37.11 (US West)
• 162.255.36.11 (US East)
• 115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)
• 115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
• 213.19.144.110 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
• 213.244.140.110 (Germany)
• 103.122.166.55 (Australia Sydney)
• 103.122.167.55 (Australia Melbourne)
• 149.137.40.110 (Singapore)
• 64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
• 149.137.68.253 (Mexico)
• 69.174.57.160 (Canada Toronto)
• 65.39.152.160 (Canada Vancouver)
• 207.226.132.110 (Japan Tokyo)
• 149.137.24.110 (Japan Osaka)

Meeting ID: 825 0849 4791
Passcode: 626500

Zoom Link:

Dr. Shyama Narang Foundation Conference on Awareness, Care, and Management of Motor Neuron Disease 2024 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: My Meeting Dr. Shyama Narang Foundation Conference on Awareness, Care, and Management of Motor Neuron Disease 2024

Time: Jun 26, 2024 09:30 AM India

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88601403765?pwd=e3bEBam2wiECJ8A6bV9gu8KKENL6uQ.1

Meeting ID: 886 0140 3765
Passcode: 2024

One tap mobile
+16694449171,,88601403765#,,,,*2024# US
+16699006833,,88601403765#,,,,*2024# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location
* +1 669 444 9171 US
* +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
* +1 689 278 1000 US
* +1 719 359 4580 US
* +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
* +1 253 205 0468 US
* +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
* +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
* +1 305 224 1968 US
* +1 309 205 3325 US
* +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
* +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
* +1 360 209 5623 US
* +1 386 347 5053 US
* +1 507 473 4847 US
* +1 564 217 2000 US
* +1 646 931 3860 US

Meeting ID: 886 0140 3765
Passcode: 2024

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kevcLGKACH