Motor neuron diseases

Motor neuron diseases

The best-known motor neuron disease is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, abbreviated ALS. The term motor neuron refers to the executing nerve cells for muscle activation. In this very common disease, there is a progressive degeneration of the so-called 1st motor neuron (brain to spinal cord) and the 2nd motor neuron (anterior horn cells of the spinal cord to the peripheral muscles). The cause is largely unknown – genetic predisposition can play a role.

The most common initial symptoms are muscle wasting and muscle weakness. However, in some people, speech and swallowing disorders may occur first.

The Diagnose beruht auf einer umfassenden klinischen Untersuchung sowie elektrophysiologischen Untersuchungen, ergänzt durch bildgebende Verfahren. Ergänzend werden kernspintomografische Untersuchungen von Schädel und Rückenmark durchgeführt. Die Therapie erfolgt medikamentös.