Early Signs of MND
MND, or motor neurone disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms appear gradually and can include muscle weakness, muscle spasms, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing and impaired breathing. The earlier a person is diagnosed with MND, the better the chance of successful treatment and slowing the progression of the disease.
It is important to be aware of the early signs of MND so that you can seek medical help as soon as possible. Below are some of the common early signs of MND:
Weakness: Weakness is one of the earliest signs of MND. It may start in one limb or one side of the body. Weakness can also cause difficulty with everyday tasks such as lifting objects or climbing stairs.
Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom of MND and may be the first sign noticed by a person. It can be difficult to distinguish between normal tiredness and fatigue caused by MND.
Muscle Twitching: Muscle twitching, or fasciculations, is another early sign of MND. These involuntary contractions of the muscles can be painful and can affect any part of the body, although they tend to be more common in the arms and legs.
Slurred Speech: Slurred speech, also known as dysarthria, is another common symptom of MND. It may be difficult to understand what the person is saying and they may struggle to find the right words.
Difficulty Swallowing: Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is another early sign of MND. This can lead to choking or coughing when eating or drinking. It is important to seek medical help if you are having difficulty swallowing.
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. MND can be a difficult disease to diagnose as the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. Your doctor may order tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electromyography (EMG) to help diagnose MND.