MND (Motor Neurone Disease) is a condition which affects the brain and nerves, and is an illness which neurophysiotherapists are able to support with physical therapy. Usually, intellect remains intact.
Perhaps the most famous patient with MND is eminent physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, who sadly passed away last year aged 76. Professor Hawking was first diagnosed with MND at the age of 21, and whilst suffering complete physical deterioration, his incredible mental capacity continued throughout his life.
There are three main types of MND:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of MND and causes muscle weakness and stiffness.
- Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) accounts for 20% of MND cases and causes difficulty with speaking and swallowing.
- Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) accounts for 10% of cases and causes muscle weakness, wasting and twitching.
MND affects people in different ways and there is a difference in how quickly each type of MND progresses. There is no cure for the disease, however neurophysio treatment supports the patient to maximise their function and ablities, and they can also provide advice and support on preventing secondary complications and keeping patients as active as possible.
Neurophysiotherapist and Clinic Director, Sara Davis, explains:
“While there is no cure for MND, Neuro Physiotherapy treatment can support a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, improve their mental wellbeing and assist in maintaining their quality of life for as long as possible.
“For example, we can teach techniques to patients so they can adapt their movements as tasks become difficult – and deliver balance training to reduce the risk of falls.
“We can also work with family and carers to support them with positioning advice, transfers and mobility aids.
“Like many neurological conditions, research continues into this condition and patients should never lose hope that a cure will one day be found. However, until then, we will support our patients to be the best they can be and help them to have the best quality of life they possibly can.”
