What are Motor Neuron Diseases symptoms and treatments How Neurophysiotherapist can help you in leading a normal life

MOTOR NEURON DISEASES (MND)

"Motor neuron disease" is a term that describes a set of disorders in which the motor nerves in the spine and brain gradually lose function. They're a neurodegenerative disease that's rare yet deadly.

Motor neurons are nerve cells that transmit electrical output signals to muscles, influencing their ability to function. MND can strike at any age, but symptoms typically begin after 50.

More men than women are affected. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most frequent kind of MND (ALS).

Neuro Physiotherapists in Gurgaon are experienced and well-trained Physiotherapists who perform certain techniques on the individual suffering from the disease to help him/her live a better life.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF MND

There are numerous types of MND. Doctors categorize them based on whether or not they are hereditary and which neurons they affect. The various types include:

1.    ASL:

The most frequent type of MND is ALS. It affects both upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, affecting the muscles of the arms, legs, mouth, and breathing system. People with ALS live for 3–5 years on average after being diagnosed, but some people can live for 10 years or longer with supportive care.

2.    PLS:

Primary lateral sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain's neurons. It's an uncommon type of MND that progresses slower than ALS. It is not lethal, but it can hurt one's quality of life. Children are affected by juvenile primary lateral sclerosis.

3.    PBP

Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) is a condition that affects the brain stem and is common in persons with ALS. It produces choking spells and makes it difficult to speak, eat, or swallow.

4.    Progressive muscular dystrophy:

This kind of MND is quite rare. It affects the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, causing muscle wastage that is slow but progressive, particularly in the arms, legs, and mouth.

5.    Spinal Muscular Atrophy:

SMA is a type of hereditary muscular dystrophy that affects youngsters. SMA1 causes all three kinds. The trunk, legs, and arms are often affected. This kind influences the long-term prospects.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MOTOR NEURON DISEASE?

Symptoms There are three stages of MND, each with comparable symptoms: early, middle, and advanced. The diseases progress at different rates and have varying degrees of severity.

1.    EARLY-STAGE:

Symptoms and indicators in the early stages

MND symptoms emerge slowly in the early stages and can resemble those of other illnesses. The symptoms vary depending on the type of MND and the body part affected.

Symptoms usually start in one of the following areas:

●     The mouth

●      the arms and legs

●      the respiratory system

They may consist of:

●     a deteriorating grasp

●      making it difficult to pick up and hold objects tiredness muscular pains

●     cramps

●     jerks

●     slurred words

●     a lack of strength in the arms and legs

●     clumsiness and tripping

●      difficulty swallowing

●     breathing problems or shortness of breath.

●     weight loss as muscles lose bulk 

●     improper emotional responses such as laughing or sobbing.

2.    MIDDLE STAGE:

Signs and symptoms of the middle stage

The early symptoms become more severe as the illness worsens. It is also possible for people to have:

●     Drooling due to swallowing problems

●     uncontrollable yawning, which can cause jaw discomfort

●     personality and emotional changes

●     breathing difficulty

●     muscle shrinkage

●     difficulty moving

●     joint pain

According to a 2017 study, up to half of the persons with ALS have brain involvement, which can include memory and language issues. It also claims that 12–15 percent of ALS patients acquire dementia. Insomnia, anxiety, and despair are other common side effects.

3.    ADVANCED STAGE:

Signs and symptoms of the advanced stages-

A person with advanced ALS will eventually require assistance with :

●     movement

●     eating

●     breathing,

 Breathing issues are the most common cause of mortality in patients with this condition.

DIAGNOSIS:

Doctors typically have trouble diagnosing MND in its early stages since it might mirror other diseases like multiple sclerosis. Neurologists handle the cases of MND but to diagnose it following tests could be taken:

●     Blood or urine test

●     MRI brain scan

●     Muscular biopsy

●     Nerve Conduction study

DOES NEURO-PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN GURGAON HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF MOTOR NEURON DISEASES?

Neuro Physiotherapists in Gurgaon have certain

 responsibilities and they perform it with a lot of effort.

Neuro Physiotherapists in Gurgaon assist patients by providing guidance on posture and positioning, as well as devising an exercise program tailored to their specific needs and skills.

●     providing advice on breathing and strategies to help you clear your chest and preserve energy

●     advising on alternate ways to perform things (including the use of equipment) to compensate for lack of movement and how to conserve energy (a respiratory physiotherapist usually helps in this way)

●     demonstrating how your caregiver can assist you with your exercises and providing advice on safe movement and handling techniques

●     advising on how to avoid falling and how to deal with exhaustion

●     As your needs change, the physiotherapist at our clinic will continue to support you and help you be as independent and comfortable as possible.

HOW NEURO PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN GURGAON WILL HELP A PATIENT WITH MND?

Neuro Physiotherapists will help with :

●     Strengthening healthy muscles that haven't been harmed also aids in compensating for muscles that aren't operating properly. Regular exercise can help keep muscles supple and increase joint range of motion.

●     Muscle contractures, also known as spasticity, are the shortening and tightening of muscles.

●     keep your mobility for as long as possible by preventing stiff muscles and joints

●     maintain joint ROM and aid posture and balance

●     preserve comfort and decrease joint stiffness and muscle weakness

●      Active muscle action helps to maintain circulation.

WHAT EXERCISES ARE ADVISED TO THE PATIENT AT GURGAON CLINIC?

Your workouts will be tailored to your specific needs by your physiotherapist. Because everyone with MND is impacted differently, any physiotherapy you undergo may differ from someone else's. You may have other medical issues or injuries that affect the treatment you receive.

Each physiotherapist will have a unique approach, but there will be some common threads.

Programs are likely to include the following:

ROM:

Exercises that maintain range of motion (ROM) in your joints. These exercises are normally performed systematically, with one limb's joints being exercised in a specific order before moving on to the next limb, and so on.

To avoid stiffness, each affected joint should be moved through its full range of motion.

MASSAGE:

Increase circulation, lessen discomfort, promote relaxation, assist muscular tone, and reduce stiffness and tightness using massage and other hands-on treatments.

BREATHING TECHNIQUES:

To assist you to empty your chest and make breathing easier.

EXERCISES:

Exercises at any stage of life, to acquire the best potential movement and posture.

●     There are three types of exercises available:

1.    When you can make your muscles complete their full range of motion without assistance, you are performing active workouts.

2.    Active-assisted exercises are performed when you are unable to complete an exercise on your own and require assistance.

3.    When you are unable to perform any of the movements, a helper supports and moves your limb to guide joints through the movements.

MND is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. Early access to ROM exercises can help to maintain and even enhance your range of motion.