The NHS says symptoms can vary from person to person
People are being warned to keep an eye on signs and symptoms that could point to a disease which causes weakness that gets progressively worse. According to the NHS, the sign that you need to look out for has to do with your mouth.
The experts say if you notice that you produce a “lot of saliva (drool)”, then this could indicate motor neurone disease (MND). This illness causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or even years.
MND can be life-shortening and devastatingly has no cure. Anyone who suspects they have MND is urged to seek treatment as soon as possible to help manage their symptoms.
What are the symptoms of motor neurone disease (MND)?
Motor neurone disease can occur at any age in adulthood, though it is most commonly seen in individuals over 50. Symptoms you may have at first include:
- stiff or weak hands – you may have problems holding or gripping things
- weak legs and feet – you may find climbing stairs difficult, you may trip over a lot and you may find it hard to lift or move your foot (foot drop)
- twitches, spasms or muscle cramps (where muscles painfully tighten)
As MND gets worse, you may:
- have problems breathing, swallowing and speaking
- produce a lot of saliva (drool)
- have changes in your mood and personality
- be unable to walk or move
The symptoms vary for each individual so you may not experience all of them. In addition to this, the rate at which they progress differs from person to person.
Early signs of MND, like muscle twitches and weakness, can resemble those of less serious conditions. However, it’s important to have them evaluated by a GP, the NHS warns.
MND warning – see a GP
The charity warns: “MND damages and attacks the nerves, meaning that messages being sent from the brain to the muscles no longer work. MND affects people from all walks of life and in different ways.”
In another whopping statistic, they reveal that “6 people are diagnosed with MND every day in the UK. Up to 5,000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time.”
Because of this, it’s crucial that you see your GP if you have:
- difficulty holding or gripping objects
- weakness in your legs or feet
- twitches or muscle cramps that keep happening, last a long time or do not go away
What are the types of MND?
There are 4 main types of MND, says the NHS, and each type affects different parts of the body, particularly during the early stages of the condition. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of MND.
| Type | Early symptoms |
|---|---|
|
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) |
Muscle weakness in the arms and legs that can cause you to trip and drop things |
|
Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) |
Mainly affects muscles in the face, throat and tongue, causing slurred speech and problems swallowing |
|
Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) |
Weakness in the hands |
|
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) |
Weak legs, sometimes with other symptoms including speech problems |
