What is motor neurone disease?
Motor neurone disease (MND) refers to a group of diseases that affect the motor neurones, which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements such as walking.
What are the symptoms of motor neurone disease?
Some of the common signs and symptoms that should prompt you to speak with your doctor include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps and twitching
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing
- Breathing difficulties
- Fatigue and weakness
- Changes in reflexes
If you would like to learn more about the symptoms, different types of MND or support services available, please visit MND Victoria.
Diagnosis
We will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
In most cases, a diagnosis of motor neurone disease involves a combination of the following:
- Neurological examinations to test sensory and motor skills, hearing and speech
- Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate the brain and spinal cord for signs of damage or abnormalities
- Lumbar puncture may be used to test for signs of infection or inflammation
Get referred
To receive a diagnosis or treatment from an Epworth specialist, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP and request a referral.
Treatment and management
As well as offering education and resources to help individuals and their families to understand the progression of motor neurone disease, your neurologist will support you to manage ongoing symptoms by arranging:
Coordination and care
Your Epworth neurologist may arrange referrals to other specialists such as occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists or speech pathologists to address associated challenges.
Learn more about accessing support coordination on the MND Victoria website.
Medications
Your neurologist may prescribe medication to help manage certain symptom such as muscle cramps, excessive salvia production, pain and breath difficulties.
Monitoring progression
Your Epworth neurologists and care team will work together to regularly monitor the progression of your symptoms, adjusting treatment plans and interventions as needed.
Rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation aims to maximise your physical and cognitive independence, while also providing emotional and psychological support for you and your family as you navigate your neurological disorder.
Our locations
For motor neurone disease
Treatment locations
Your care team at Epworth
The multidisciplinary team for motor neurone disease includes a specialist neurologist, occupational therapist and speech pathologist.
Learn more about the health professionals in the neurology care team.
Choosing your Epworth specialist
Meet our specialist neurologists and neurosurgeons, accredited at Epworth.