Motor neuron is a cell that, in turn, is responsible for muscle activity. Due to the destruction of such cells, weakening and wasting of muscles occurs. Motor neuron disease is an incurable disease that ultimately leads to the death of the patient.
Symptoms of disease
A patient whose motor neuron is in the early stages of regression does not feel overt symptoms. However, there are some initial signs of the onset of the disease: the patient develops weakness in the muscles, it becomes difficult for him to move and keep his balance. Often there are problems with swallowing. It is difficult to hold any object, even not very heavy. Over time, the symptoms become more pronounced. In some cases, the motor neuron may be affected on one side, but subsequently the pathology spreads to both limbs. In some patients, the disease is manifested by convulsions. This symptom suggests that it is the lower motor neuron that is damaged. In a large number of patients with this diagnosis, wasting and weakening of the muscles occurs only in the arms and legs, but in practicethere are cases of wasting of the muscles of the face and throat, which leads to difficulty swallowing. Most patients, even in the last stages of the disease, retain the ability to think clearly. This disease is not infectious or viral, it cannot be contracted from others, but men aged 40 to 70 are more prone to motor neuron disease. The life expectancy of people with this diagnosis can often coincide with the life expectancy of a he althy person. Scientists conducted a study and found that only 6 suffer from this disease per 100,000 people.
Causes of disease
The causes of this disease are still debated among medical specialists. As a result, there is no clear answer to the question, and it is unclear what causes this ailment. Several hypotheses 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 possible reason is heredity, namely the presence of a mutating gene in members of the same family.
Motor neuron disease can come in many forms and 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 palsy, and spinal atrophy.muscles. One of the causes of this disease in children can be a viral disease - poliomyelitis or infantile 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 asymmetrical. With the progression of the disease, visible symptoms appear, namely, the motor neurons of the spinal cord are weakened, thereby causing relaxation of the muscles of the body. In the progressive form of the disease, only some functions remain unchanged. These are controlled urination, voluntary movements of the eyeballs and sensitivity. Statistics show that only 50% of people with this form of the disease can live for about 30 years, the remaining half die in the interval from 3 to 10 years, depending on the degree of growth of the disease.
Primary lateral sclerosis
Another form of motor neuron disease. This form of the disease is accompanied by disturbances in chewing and swallowing food, as well as distorted pronunciation. Psychotic disturbances are possible, such as involuntary and uncontrollable laughter or, on the contrary, crying. Most patients with this form do not survive even three years.
Progressive spinal atrophy
This varietymotor neuron disease occurs only in adults, with it the sensitive intercalary motor neuron remains intact. This is the most loyal form of the course of the disease. It occurs only in people over 25 years old and is inherited in about 10% of cases.
Progressive bulbar palsy
This disease is much less common than the previous ones. It is accompanied by damage only to the upper neurons. The disease manifests itself gradually and begins with weakening of the muscles, as well as muscle spasms. This disease can last for many years, gradually leading the patient to complete disability.
