Upper vs Lower Motor Neurom Diseases

What Is Motor Neuron Disease?

Motor neuron disease or MND refers to a group of neurodegenerative disorders that selectively affects the cells which control all the voluntary muscles of the body. These cells are called motor neurons.

Upper And Lower Motor Neurons

The human body has two types of neurons -

Upper motors neurons

These neurons are present in the brain. They originate in the cerebral cortex and descend through the spinal cord. They transmit messages from the brain to the spinal cord.

Lower motor neurons

These neurons are present in the central and peripheral nervous system. They transmit messages from the spinal cord to the muscles.

Note: Motor neurons are responsible for all voluntary movements of the body

Symptoms Of Upper Motor Neuron Disease

● Hyperactive reflexes

● Increased muscle tone

● Weakness (without serious atrophy)

● Rigidity

● Spasticity

● Tremor

● Minimal paralysis of voluntary muscles

● Dystonia (repeated and/or involuntary twisting movements)

● Involuntary contractions of the extremeties

● Irregular movements in the distal extremities

Symptoms Of Lower Motor Neuron Disease

● Atrophy

● Flaccidity

● Muscle twitching

● Ipsilateral weakness of individual muscles

● Loss of muscle tone

● Weak or absent deep tendon plantar and abdominal reflexes

We Bet You Didn't Know!

Bell’s Palsy is the most common type of lower MND.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are a combination of upper and lower MND.

Tests To Diagnose MND

Depending on the symptoms experienced by the patient, a neurologist may ask for -

● Electromyography (EMG) to measure electrical activity of muscle in response to stimuli

● MRI of brain and spine

● Lumbar puncture to assess the spinal fluid

● Blood tests

MND Rehabilitation At Plexus

Under the expert care of Dr Na’eem Sadiq, India’s best MND specialist, Plexus offers a customized rehabilitation plan for MND that includes:

● Stem Cell Therapy

● Physiotherapy

● Occupational Therapy

● Speech Therapy

Additionally, We Also Offer -

● Endurance training and fatigue management

● Strengthening of shoulder muscles, upper and lower limbs, oral structures

● Functional stretching to relieve rigidity and stiffness

● Dysphagia management

● Activities of Daily Living training (ADL)

● Energy conservation and work simplification training

● Functional splinting

● Hand function training

● Counseling and caregiver education