Motor neuron disease

Dr.Shamekh M. El-Shamy

Motor Neurone Disease

Definition:

It is a degenerative disease of a gradual onset and progressive course, affecting the motor system only (systemic disease).

Motor neuron disease

(corticospinal tract+ anterior horn cell)

UMN signs LMN signs

Clinical Picture

Age of onset:

Sex:

Onset and Course:

Signs and symptoms:

I-U.M.N. Affection

a) In the spinal cord:

Spastic paraplegia if the lesion is below the cervical region, or

Spastic quadriplegia if the lesion is at the cervical region.

b)In the brain stem or the cerebral hemisphere:

1.Bulbar symptoms:

- dysphagia. - nasal regurgitation.

- dysarthria. - hoarseness of voice.

II- L.M.N. Affection

Motor Neurone Disease

I- U.M.N.L.

a-Brain Stem“Pseudo-bulbar palsy

b-Spinal Cord“Lateral Sclerosis

II- L.M.N.L.

a-Brain Stem“True Bulbar Palsy

b-Spinal Cord“Progressive Muscular Atrophy”

III-Combined U.M.N and L.M.N Affection

Syndrome of :

"amyotrophic lateral sclerosis“

There are combined signs and symptoms of lower and upper motor neurone lesions

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Diagnosis

ALS is difficult to diagnose because it has similar symptoms of other neuromuscular disorders. Some of the procedures include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment

1- Avoid fatigue and exhaustion.

2- Massive doses of vit. E and B.

3- Anabolics.

4-Physiotherapy,respiratory care,swallowing,….

Prevention