Happier Despite MND

Symptoms and treatment for motor neuron disease (MND) may sound serious and intimidating but there can be life during MND. The disease is said to be almost always fatal, beginning with increasing paralysis and then ultimately death. Though few adults worldwide with ages 50 to 70 develop the disease, it’s still worth finding out what the symptoms and treatment for motor neuron disease are. It can prove helpful how patients can be happier despite MND.

MND Symptoms

The disease attacks the neuron nerve, destroying specifically the motor neuron cells. Motor neurons enable the human brain to control the body and its limbs and extremities through brain signals or instructions. The brain thinks and gives orders together with the spinal cord, and the involved body part responds accordingly.

However, when the motor neuron is damaged by MND, this process gradually weakens and destroys the body motor functions. The speeds by which the effects happen and develop differ in each individual. Generally, there is an initial feeling of tiredness and weakness, making the fingers starts working clumsily and the hand grip feeble. Then this gradually progresses.

There’s also pain and discomfort in some parts of the body, like muscle cramps, muscle twitching or spasms (or fasciculations) and stiff joints. Because the digestive muscles are affected, constipation can be expected. Throat muscles may develop difficulty of swallowing, seeming choking sensation, or excess saliva. The chest muscles may develop some breathing problems.

As a result of all the muscle and limb problems, plus the other symptoms and treatment for motor neuron disease (yes, treatment can also have a negative effect emotionally) the patient can also develop depression. Although these signs and manifestations may not automatically indicate MND, it is best to always see a specialist.

Brain function is not always affected, but sometimes there may be a certain degree of analytical difficulty as well as some changes in personality due to this. But on top of all these dim prospects there may be a positive note at the end of the tunnel. Patients can be happier despite MND.

Advanced Symptoms

As the disease progresses, the patient becomes more helpless and approaching paralysis. Extreme muscle weakness in the arms, legs, and hands is likely. Consequently, they cannot walk or open doors or jars without help. Buttoning shirts and brushing the hair become impossible tasks. Keeping the head upright may be an issue, too, because of weakened neck muscles.

And patients may experience an abnormal propensity to quickly laugh or cry, not because of intense emotions, but body and limb changes caused by MND.

Awareness of the symptoms and treatment for motor neuron disease is vital and would help alleviate the suffering and emotional decline of the patient. It is evident that the telltale signs can all heavily lead to a deep emotional crisis in the sufferer. Therefore, a measure of devoted kindred support can make the patient happier despite MND.

MND Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no known cure to MND as of this writing. But some medicines can ease the pain and suffering. They can slow down the spread of the disease to other parts of the body and its progress. Riluzole can delay MND progress for some months, especially where amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is involved, say experts.

Muscle relaxants can also help a lot, especially with saliva flow control and muscle cramps. Pain and suffering can also be reduced with anti-inflammatory medicines, and even health supplements with flavonoids and anthocyanins which are known to be powerfully anti-inflammatory.

For breathing difficulties, especially at night, wearing a mask ventilator can ease sleeping. Some experts say ventilators can retard the progress MND. Fresh oxygen seems to be a key here. And the good news is, machine ventilators for this are light weight and portable.

Best of all, patients can regularly consult with their specialists to get a case-to-case treatment for specific difficulty or pain. And family members can also assist here by providing comfort and a listening ear, thus making suffering patients happier despite MND.

Synergy of Treatments

Patients are also fully supported from different angles. Experts involved can include the neurologist, psychiatrist, nutritionist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, and other medical specialists. In addition, alternative pain specialists can include approved acupuncturists, massage and reflexology experts, and even meditation instructors. Church counsellors can also come in, as well as palliative care experts.

Last of all, the patients’ loved ones like the spouse, families, and friends can show constant support by regular visitations, fellowship, and physical care. All the above can ease the pain of suffering and make anyone happier despite MND.

Jenny richards is a free lancer writer and content builder of many sites.

 

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