The motor neuron is a cell, which, in turn, is responsible for muscle activity. Due to the destruction of such cells, muscle weakening and depletion occurs. Motor neuron disease is an incurable disease that ultimately leads to the death of the patient.
Symptoms of the disease
A patient whose motor neuron is in the first stages of regression does not feel pronounced symptoms. However, there are some initial signs of the onset of the ailment: the patient develops muscle weakness, it becomes difficult for him to move around and keep his balance. Often there are problems with swallowing. It’s hard to hold an object, not even a very heavy one. Over time, symptoms become more pronounced. In some cases, the motor neuron can be affected on one side, but subsequently the pathology spreads to both limbs. In some patients, the disease manifests itself in convulsions. Such a symptom suggests that it is the lower motor neuron that is damaged. In a large number of patients with this diagnosis, depletion and weakening of muscles occurs only on the arms and legs, but in practice there are cases of depletion of the muscles of the face and throat, which leads to difficulty in swallowing. Most patients, even in the last stages of the disease, retain the ability to think clearly. This disease is not infectious or viral, they can not be infected from others, but it is men aged 40 to 70 who are more prone to motor neuron disease. The life expectancy of people with this diagnosis can often coincide with the life expectancy of a healthy person. Scientists conducted a study and found out that for 100 thousand people there are only 6 suffering from this ailment.
The causes of the disease
The reasons for the manifestation of this disease are still debated among medical specialists. As a result, there is no clear answer to the question, and it is unclear why this ailment arises. Several reasons have been put forward about the causes of the disease. One of them is exposure to viruses, toxins and harmful substances in the environment. The second hypothetical reason is heredity, namely the presence of a mutating gene in members of the same family.
A motor neuron disease can occur in different forms, as well as manifest itself in different ways. The only thing that remains unchanged in the history of the disease is that all forms and types of its course are expressed in the degeneration of motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain. The main diseases of the neuron are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscle atrophy, pseudobulbar paralysis, as well as spinal muscle atrophy. One of the causes of this ailment in children can be a viral disease - polio or childhood paralysis.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
This is a form of motor neuron disease. It is represented by muscle weakness and atrophy, often observed in the hands, but manifestations in the feet are also possible. The initial symptoms may be different, but subsequently they become asymmetric. With the progression of the disease, visible symptoms appear, namely, the motor neurons of the spinal cord weaken, thereby causing a relaxation of the muscles of the body. In a progressive form of the disease, only some functions remain unchanged. This is controlled urination, voluntary eyeball movements and sensitivity. Statistics show that only 50% of people with this form of the disease can live about 30 years, the remaining half die in the interval from 3 to 10 years, depending on the degree of increase in the disease.
Primary lateral sclerosis
Another form of motor neuron disease. This form of the disease is accompanied by impaired chewing and swallowing of food, as well as distorted pronunciation. Psychotic disturbances are possible, such as involuntary and uncontrolled laughter or, on the contrary, crying. Most patients with this form do not live even three years.
Progressive Spinal Atrophy
This kind of motor neuron disease is found only in adults, while the sensitive intercalary motor neuron remains intact. This is the most loyal form of the disease. It occurs only in people over 25 years of age and in about 10% of cases is inherited.
Progressive Bulbar Palsy
This disease is much less common than previous ones. It is accompanied by damage to only the upper neurons. The disease manifests itself gradually and begins with a weakening of the muscles, as well as muscle cramps. This disease can occur for many years, gradually leading the patient to complete disability.