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Prognosis of Motor Neuron Disease

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a collective term for a group of progressive nerve diseases affecting vital muscle activities such as breathing, swallowing, speech and movement. The prognosis for these diseases varies with the specific syndrome present.

  1. The Facts

    • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) lists forms of MND that include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Classification of these diseases corresponds to the main location of nerve degeneration.

    ALS Prognosis

    • ALS is a fatal disease and sufferers have severe loss of muscular function. Roughly 80 percent of individuals with this syndrome die within five years, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    PLS Prognosis

    • According to NINDS, PLS presents a slow progression of muscular degeneration, but does not result in death. Individuals with PLS will typically experience some significant impact on their overall quality of life.

    SMA Prognosis

    • Individuals with some forms SMA may experience long periods of stable symptoms, but their condition will not improve, according to NINDS. Individuals with other forms of SMA often die between anywhere between the age of two and late adolescence.

    Considerations

    • In many cases, PLS eventually develops into ALS.

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