Diagnosing MND
Unfortunately there is no specific test for MND. In most cases MND is diagnosed by a process of eliminating other illnesses which might cause similar symptoms. Diagnosis can take a long time and may be difficult because the pattern of symptoms varies between individuals, and may be similar to those seen in other conditions.
Less than 10% of cases are thought to be inherited, so called "familial MND". The vast majority of cases, in the region of 90%, occur to people whose families have no previous history of the condition and are therefore described as sporadic.""
If lower motor neurone damage occurs the reflexes of the affected muscles are slowly destroyed, so the muscle becomes flaccid and paralysed. If the upper motor neurones are damaged eventually the muscles becomes spastic and paralysed. As MND progresses symptoms can combine.
Please consult your doctor for advice specific to your individual situation.
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