NINDS Motor Neuron Diseases Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Motor Neuron Diseases Information Page: NINDS

Main condition: Motor Neuron Diseases

What are Motor Neuron Diseases?
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are progressive, degenerative disorders that affect nerves in the upper or lower parts of the body. Some of the diseases are inherited, while others may be acquired. Common MNDs include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive muscular atrophy, and postpolio syndrome. Generally, MNDs strike in middle age. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, limb weakness, slurred speech, impaired gait, facial weakness, and muscle cramps. Respiration may be affected in the later stages of these diseases. The cause(s) of most MNDs are not known, but environmental, toxic, viral, or genetic factors may be implicated.

Is there any treatment?
There is no cure, nor standard treatment, for MNDs. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Physical therapy, drug therapy, and assistive devices may help some individuals.

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with these disorders varies depending on the type of MND. Some types, such as ALS, are fatal.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports a broad range of studies aimed at discovering the cause(s) of MNDs, finding better treatments, and, ultimately, preventing and curing the disorders.

Organizations

Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718-3208
mda@mdausa.org
http://www.mdausa.org/
Tel: 520-529-2000 800-572-1717
Fax: 520-529-5300

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Information Page
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fact Sheet
A fact sheet on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) prepared by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Information Page
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) information page compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Post-Polio Syndrome Information Page
Post-Polio Syndrome information sheet compiled by NINDS.

Post-Polio Syndrome Fact Sheet
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) fact sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

El Síndrome de la Pospoliomielitis
Información del Sindrome de la Pospoliomielitis/Spanish-language fact sheet on Post-Polio Syndrome compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Primary Lateral Sclerosis Information Page
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Monomelic Amyotrophy Information Page
Monomelic amyotrophy (Benign Focal Amyotrophy) information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Testimony on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, May 2000
NINDS Director's testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), May 18, 2000.

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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