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Motor Neuron Disease
Motor Neuron Diseases (MND) classify a group of diseases affecting the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons are efferent neurons that originate in the spinal cord and synapse with muscles fibers to facilitate muscles contraction and with muscles spindles to modify one's own sensitivity. Degeneration of the motor neurons leads to weakness and wasting of muscles (atrophy) in the arms and legs initially. Some MNDs lead to weakness and wasting in the muscles supplying the face and throat, causing problems with speech and difficulty chewing and swallowing. Intellect remains unaffected. Like the muscular dystrophies, motor neuron diseases is generally a steadily progressive disease, however, the rate of progression varies greatly from one person to another.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, Onset: Adulthood.
- Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA type 1)
- Intermediate Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA type 2)
- Juvenile Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA type 3)
- Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) - also known as Kennedy's Disease and X-linked SBMA, Onset: Adulthood
- Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Onset: adulthood
