📰 Source: upgoat.net | Upgoat
✍️ Original author: dosvydanya_freedomz
⬆️ score: 8
v/DeathVax19 · by u/dosvydanya_freedomz
📝 Original content:
What are motor neuron diseases? Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons, the cells that control skeletal muscle activity such as walking, breathing, speaking, and swallowing. This group includes diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Kennedy’s disease, and post-polio syndrome.
Messages or signals from nerve cells in the brain (upper motor neurons) are typically transmitted to nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord (lower motor neurons) and then to muscles throughout the body. This process is how we move our muscles.
When signals from the lower motor neurons to the muscles are disrupted, the muscles begin to weaken and shrink in size (muscle atrophy or wasting). They may also start to spontaneously twitch. These twitches, called fasciculations, can sometimes be seen or felt below the surface of the skin.
When lower motor neurons cannot receive signals from upper motor neurons, it can cause muscle stiffness (spasticity) and overactive reflexes. This can make voluntary movements slow and difficult.
Over time, individuals with MNDs may lose the ability to walk or control other movements.
MNDs are classified according to whether the loss of function is due to a genetic mutation (inherited) or sporadic (no family history); and whether they affect the upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons, or both.
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