Motor neurone disease (MND) - causes, symptoms and treatments

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Motor neurone disease (MND) - causes, symptoms and treatments | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Motor neurone disease is a condition that causes weakness in the muscles, leading eventually to paralysis. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Motor neurone disease (MND) – causes, symptoms and treatments" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Motor Neurone Disease"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2024-10-23T05:59:51.558Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Motor neurone disease is a condition that causes weakness in the muscles, leading eventually to paralysis. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="Motor neurone disease (MND)" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/general/primary/eg105w-126ee073-35a7-47a5-b5e9-b20f2a748642-ad63f8.jpg"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/motor-neurone-disease-mnd"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is MND?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What is MND? Answer","text":"Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name for a group of diseases that affect nerves known as motor nerves, or motor neurons. Your motor nerves carry messages from your brain to your muscles via your spinal cord. These messages allow you to move, swallow, talk and breathe. In MND, these motor neurons become damaged and die. Messages can no longer travel between your brain and muscles. This causes your muscles to become weaker and weaker. This eventually causes paralysis. The MND disease group includes the following diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) Kennedy's disease, also known as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) These different types of MND are characterised by which body parts they affect. Read more about the types of MND. MND is an uncommon disease. MND is more common in people over 50 years old. However, you can get MND at a younger age too.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Answer1"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the symptoms of MND?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Question2","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What are the symptoms of MND? Answer","text":"Your first symptoms of MND that you notice can be mild, such as: stumbling because of weakness in your leg muscles difficulty holding and gripping objects because of weakness in your hand muscles slurred speech and swallowing difficulties because of weakness of your tongue and throat muscles cramps and muscle twitching These symptoms usually start on one side of your body before spreading around your body and getting worse. As your disease progresses you may develop: difficulty breathing because your breathing muscles are getting weaker fatigue caused by muscle tiredness, reduced lung capacity, weight loss, reduced food intake and changes to your metabolism insomnia caused by discomfort and pain mild changes in your cognitive skills and changes to your typical behaviour and mood some pain and discomfort You may eventually become very weak and unable to move or breathe on your own. A few people with MND may also develop a type of dementia. MND will not affect your senses and your ability to: see hear smell taste touch The rate that symptoms progress is different from person to person.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Answer2"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What causes MND?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Question3","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What causes MND? Answer","text":"Most of the time the exact cause of MND is not known. You cannot catch MND from somebody. There are theories that MND can develop because of a combination of environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors. More research is needed to investigate these theories. Around 1 in 10 cases are 'familial', meaning the condition is inherited. This is because of a genetic mutation, which is an error in a gene. Inherited MND is also known as ‘familial MND’. If you have an MND-related genetic mutation, your children have a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting that MND-related genetic mutation. It is important to remember that not all people with the genetic mutation will develop MND. If someone in your family has MND, you may want to do genetic testing to check if you have the genetic mutation. You will have to first meet with a genetic counsellor. You will receive support and counselling about possible test results. Testing usually involves a blood test.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Answer3"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is MND diagnosed?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Question4","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How is MND diagnosed? Answer","text":"Your doctor can diagnose you with MND by examining you and observing your symptoms. There is no specific test that diagnoses MND. To confirm your diagnosis and to eliminate other conditions, your doctor may do some of these tests: electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies MRI of your brain and spinal cord blood tests muscle biopsy lumbar puncture When you first start having symptoms, MND can be hard to diagnose. This is because your symptoms may be mild and non-specific. They could be related to other conditions. It is important to see a doctor if your symptoms do not get better.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Answer4"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is MND treated?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Question5","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How is MND treated? Answer","text":"If you have MND, your treatment will focus on managing your symptoms and any complications you have. There is no cure for MND. A medicine called riluzole has been approved for use in Australia to treat ALS. Riluzole is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if you are eligible. Riluzole can slow down the progression of your disease and improve your quality of life. It can extend your survival by 6 – 19 months. A medicine called edaravone can help slow the progression of MND, however it is not yet approved in Australia for the treatment of MND. There are other new treatments being developed to help people with MND. You can ask your neurologist for more information. You will have a multidisciplinary team looking after you, including: specialist doctors — general practitioners, neurologists and gastroenterologists home care nurses allied health professionals — occupational therapists. physiotherapists, speech pathologists, social workers, dietitians and psychologists Your healthcare team will work together to help relieve your symptoms, maintain your quality of life and provide palliative care as needed. You may be recommended to make some changes to your home and use some devices, such as: mobility aids — including wheelchairs communication devices feeding tube non-invasive ventilation Most people with MND die within 2 to 3 years of developing the condition. However, some people can live a long time. See MND Australia's guide about end of life care for people living with MND.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#Answer5"}}],"keywords":"Lou Gehrig's disease","@type":"FAQPage","about":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_neuron_disease","name":"Motor neurone disease (MND)","description":"Motor neurone disease is a condition that causes weakness in the muscles, leading eventually to paralysis. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis.","dateModified":"2024-10-23T15:54:00Z","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd","@context":"http://schema.org","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd","sameAs":"http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q60173878"}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MHFB33K');</script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-512x512.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/711/styles/main.css"> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; } </style> <script type="text/javascript"> var HDW = {mediaCdn:'https://media.healthdirect.org.au/', siteId:'hin', nhsdApi:'7de96a3a4efb4b93b19035e6ee7554ef'} </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/711/scripts/veyron.js"></script> </head> <body >  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MHFB33K" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <header class="hda-head"> <div class="hda-head_content"> <div class="hda-head_content-common"> <div class="hda-head_col-logo"> <a href="/" class="hda-head_col-logo-link"> <img class="hda-head_col-logo-img" src="/assets/images/logo-hda.svg" alt="healthdirect australia logo"> </a> </div> <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu mobile-only"> <script type="text/javascript">function getHeaderButtonsMobileHtml(isLoggedIn, baseUrl) { switch (isLoggedIn) { case true: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account" id="header-buttons-mobile"> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-signout-btn" aria-controls="menu-sign" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" onclick="handleToggle()" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user-circle"></i><span class="sr-only">Sign out</span> </button> <ul id="menu-sign" role="menu" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-list" style="display: none"> <li><a href="/account/dashboard">Dashboard</a></li> <li><a href="/account/care-advice">Care advice</a></li> <li><a href="/account/profile">Profile</a></li> <li><a href="/" onclick="return handleSignOutMobile('${baseUrl}')">Sign out</a></li> </ul> </div>` case false: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account" id="header-buttons-mobile"> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-signin-btn" aria-controls="menu-sign" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" onclick="handleToggle()" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user-circle-o"></i><span class="sr-only">Sign in</span> </button> <ul id="menu-sign" role="menu" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-list" style="display: none"> <li><a href="/account/join">Join</a></li> <li><a href="/account/signin">Sign in</a></li> </ul> </div>` } }; async function handleSignOutMobile(baseUrl) { const hasBeenSignedOut = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("auth/sign-out"), { method: "POST", headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", }, body: JSON.stringify({ data: { type: "sign-out", attributes: { accessToken: localStorage.getItem('access_token'), } } }) }).then(response => response.status === 204).catch(console.error); // redirect to the homepage if (hasBeenSignedOut) { localStorage.removeItem('access_token'); localStorage.removeItem('session_token'); localStorage.removeItem('email'); localStorage.removeItem('refresh_token'); window.location.href = '/'; } return false; }; function handleToggle() { const menu = document.getElementById('menu-sign'); if (menu.style.display === "none") menu.style.display = "block"; else menu.style.display = "none"; }</script> <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account" id="header-buttons-mobile"> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-signin-btn" aria-controls="menu-sign" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" onclick="handleToggle()" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user-circle-o"></i><span class="sr-only">Sign in</span> </button> <ul id="menu-sign" role="menu" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-list" style="display: none"> <li><a href="/account/join">Join</a></li> <li><a href="/account/signin">Sign in</a></li> </ul> </div> <script> (async() => { const headerButtonsMobile = document.getElementById('header-buttons-mobile'); const isLoggedIn = !!localStorage.getItem('access_token'); headerButtonsMobile.outerHTML = getHeaderButtonsMobileHtml(isLoggedIn, "https://prd.uim.hda-online.com.au/"); })(); </script> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-btn" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-btn-icon"></i> Menu </button> </div> <div class="hda-head_col-tagline"> <h1 class="hda-head_col-tagline-line"><span class="sr-only">Healthdirect </span><span>Free Australian health advice you can count on.</span></h1> </div> <script type="text/javascript">function getHeaderButtonsHtml(isLoggedIn, baseUrl) { switch (isLoggedIn) { case true: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-user-acc-sign-out" id="header-buttons"> <a class="ua-lnk_dash" href="/account/dashboard"><i class="dor-icon_user-circle-o" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span>My account</span></a> <button class="ua-btn_outlined" onclick="handleSignOut('${baseUrl}')">Sign out</button> </div> ` case false: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-user-acc-sign-in" id="header-buttons"> <button class="ua-btn_filled" onclick="handleJoin()">Join</button> <button class="ua-btn_outlined" onclick="handleSignIn()">Sign in</button> </div> ` } }; async function handleSignOut(baseUrl) { const hasBeenSignedOut = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("auth/sign-out"), { method: "POST", headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", }, body: JSON.stringify({ data: { type: "sign-out", attributes: { accessToken: localStorage.getItem('access_token'), } } }) }).then(response => response.status === 204).catch(console.error); // redirect to the homepage if (hasBeenSignedOut) { localStorage.removeItem('access_token'); localStorage.removeItem('session_token'); localStorage.removeItem('email'); localStorage.removeItem('refresh_token'); window.location.href = '/'; } }; function handleSignIn() { window.location.href = '/account/signin'; }; function handleJoin() { window.location.href = '/account/join'; }</script> <div class="hda-head_col-user-acc-sign-in" id="header-buttons"> <button class="ua-btn_filled" onclick="handleJoin()">Join</button> <button class="ua-btn_outlined" onclick="handleSignIn()">Sign in</button> </div> <script> (async() => { const headerButtons = document.getElementById('header-buttons'); const isLoggedIn = !!localStorage.getItem('access_token'); headerButtons.outerHTML = getHeaderButtonsHtml(isLoggedIn, "https://prd.uim.hda-online.com.au/"); })(); </script> <div class="hda-head_content-common-print"> <p>Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately</p> <p>healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.</p> </div> </div> <div class="hda-head_menu-row">  <div class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode device-only">  <form id="search-form-node-mobile-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search"> <div role="combobox" aria-expanded="false" aria-owns="header-search-suggestions" aria-haspopup="listbox"> <input tabindex="0" id="header-search-mobile-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-field" type="search" autocomplete="off" name="searchterm" placeholder="Search our site" title="Suggestion options" aria-label="Enter your search terms" aria-autocomplete="list"> </div> <ul id="header-search-suggestions" class="dropdown-menu hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-list veyron-search-list" role="listbox" position="position"> <li class="primary-search-list-item" role="option"> <a tabindex="-1" rel="nofollow" href="/search-results/{{url}}">{{label}}</a> </li> </ul> <button tabindex="0" aria-label="search" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-submit veyron-search-lens-btn" type="button"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-icon"></i> </button> </form> <script type="text/javascript"> primarySearch('node-mobile-mode'); </script> </div> <nav class="hda-head_menu-row-bar">  <ul class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav"> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Health topics A-Z <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-dropdown-icon"></i></button> <div class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2"> <ul> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/health-topics/conditions" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Conditions</a> <a href="/gastroenteritis">Gastroenteritis</a> <a href="/skin-conditions">Skin Conditions</a> <a href="/whooping-cough">Whooping Cough</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/health-topics/symptoms" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Symptoms</a> <a href="/abdominal-pain">Abdominal Pain</a> <a href="/bites-and-stings">Bites and Stings</a> <a href="/diarrhoea">Diarrhoea</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/health-topics/procedures" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Procedures</a> <a href="/colonoscopy">Colonoscopy</a> <a href="/grommets">Grommets</a> <a href="/liposuction">Liposuction</a> <a href="/tubal-ligation">Tubal ligation</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/life-stages" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Life stages</a> <a href="/babies-and-toddlers-health">Babies and toddlers</a> <a href="/kids-health">Kids</a> <a href="/seniors-health">Seniors</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item__a-z"> <a href="/health-topics" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">All topics</a> <a href="/health-topics/A">A</a> <a href="/health-topics/B">B</a> <a href="/health-topics/C">C</a> <a href="/health-topics/D">D</a> <a href="/health-topics/E">E</a> <a href="/health-topics/F">F</a> <a href="/health-topics/G">G</a> <a href="/health-topics/H">H</a> <a href="/health-topics/I">I</a> <a href="/health-topics/J">J</a> <a href="/health-topics/K">K</a> <a href="/health-topics/L">L</a> <a href="/health-topics/M">M</a> <a href="/health-topics/N">N</a> <a href="/health-topics/O">O</a> <a href="/health-topics/P">P</a> <a href="/health-topics/Q">Q</a> <a href="/health-topics/R">R</a> <a href="/health-topics/S">S</a> <a href="/health-topics/T">T</a> <a href="/health-topics/U">U</a> <a href="/health-topics/V">V</a> <a href="/health-topics/W">W</a> <a href="/health-topics/X">X</a> <a href="/health-topics/Y">Y</a> <a href="/health-topics/Z">Z</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/medicines">Medicines</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/symptom-checker">Symptom checker</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/australian-health-services">Service finder</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item desktop-only">  <form id="search-form-node-desktop-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search"> <div role="combobox" aria-expanded="false" aria-owns="header-search-suggestions" aria-haspopup="listbox"> <input tabindex="0" id="header-search-desktop-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-field" type="search" autocomplete="off" name="searchterm" placeholder="Search our site" title="Suggestion options" aria-label="Enter your search terms" aria-autocomplete="list"> </div> <ul id="header-search-suggestions" class="dropdown-menu hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-list veyron-search-list" role="listbox" position="position"> <li class="primary-search-list-item" role="option"> <a tabindex="-1" rel="nofollow" href="/search-results/{{url}}">{{label}}</a> </li> </ul> <button tabindex="0" aria-label="search" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-submit veyron-search-lens-btn" type="button"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-icon"></i> </button> </form> <script type="text/javascript"> primarySearch('node-desktop-mode'); </script> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="hda-head_mobile-screen mobile-only"></div> <nav class="hda-head_mobile-menu mobile-only"> <header>Menu <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-btn-close">Close <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-btn-close-icon"></i></button></header> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1"> <li> <a href="/">Home <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="#" data-ga-finder="Top menu,Health topics A-Z,#">Health topics A-Z <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2"> <li> <a href="/health-topics/conditions">Conditions <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/health-topics/symptoms">Symptoms <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/health-topics/procedures">Procedures <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/life-stages">Life stages <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/health-topics">All topics <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/medicines">Medicines <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/symptom-checker">Symptom checker <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/australian-health-services">Service finder <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> </ul> </nav> <script type="text/javascript"> initHeader(); </script>  <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/711/scripts/idle-session-timeout.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/711/scripts/http-helper.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/711/scripts/auth.js"></script>  </header> <section class="main"> <a id="backToTop"></a> <section class="main_content"> <div class="main_content-col-left"> <div class="floating-header-offset mobile-only" id="socialsharebuttonanchor"></div> <main class="main_content-article-text" id="mainContentArticleText"> <header> <a id="main_content-text"><span class="sr-only">beginning of content</span></a> <h1 class="main_content-title-text">Motor neurone disease (MND)</h1> <div class="main_content-article-layout_meta_actions"> <p><em>9-minute read</em></p> <span class="rs_do_not_process"> <div class="social-section_share socialshare-node-desktop-mode blog__node-desktop-mode"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-print veyron-social-share-print-btn"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_print"></i> Print </button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-group-btn" aria-haspopup="false" aria-expanded="false"><i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_share"></i> Share</button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu-tail"></div> <a title="Share this page on Facebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i> <span class="sr-only">share via Facebook</span> </a> <button class="share-email-button veyron-social-share-email-btn"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_email"></i> <span class="sr-only">share via Email</span> </button> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">async function save(articlePath, baseUrl) { const isLoggedIn = !!localStorage.getItem('access_token'); if(!isLoggedIn) window.location.href = '/account/join?articleId='.concat(articlePath); const saveButton = document.getElementById('save-button'); saveButton.setAttribute('disabled', true); // Get Family detail from an API const myFamilyDetail = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("user/family-member"), { method: 'GET', headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", "Authorization": localStorage.getItem("access_token"), }, }).then(response => response.json()) .then(famMembers => famMembers.data.find(member => member.attributes.isAccountHolder === true)) .catch(err=> null); if(!myFamilyDetail) { console.error("Unable to find the family member ID") return; }; const hasBeenSaved = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("user/article-save"), { method: 'POST', headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", "Authorization": localStorage.getItem("access_token"), }, body: JSON.stringify({ data: { type: "article-save", attributes: { linkedArticleId: articlePath, familyMemberId: myFamilyDetail.id, } } }), }).then(response => response.json()) .then(result => !!result.data) if (hasBeenSaved) saveButton.outerHTML = getButtonSaveHtml('saved', articlePath, baseUrl) else window.location.href = '/account/join?articleId='.concat(articlePath); }; async function unsave(articlePath, baseUrl) { const isLoggedIn = !!localStorage.getItem('access_token'); if(!isLoggedIn) window.location.href = '/account/join?articleId='.concat(articlePath); const saveButton = document.getElementById('save-button'); saveButton.setAttribute('disabled', true); const articles = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("user/article-save?linkedArticleId=").concat(articlePath), { method: 'GET', headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", "Authorization": localStorage.getItem("access_token"), } }).then(response => response.json()) .catch(error => console.log('error', error)); const familyMemberId = articles.included[0].id; const familyMembersArticle = articles.data.find(article => ( article.relationships["family-member"].data.id === familyMemberId && article.attributes.linkedArticleId === articlePath) ); const hasBeenUnsaved = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("user/article-save/").concat(familyMembersArticle.id), { method: 'DELETE', headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", "Authorization": localStorage.getItem("access_token"), } }).then(response => response.status) .then(result => result === 204) if (hasBeenUnsaved) saveButton.outerHTML = getButtonSaveHtml('unsaved', articlePath, baseUrl) else window.location.href = '/account/join?articleId='.concat(articlePath); }; function getButtonSaveHtml(state, articlePath, baseUrl) { switch (state) { case 'loading': return String.raw` <button id="save-button" disabled class="social-section_share-platforms-heart"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_heart"></i> Save</button>` case 'unsaved': return String.raw` <button id="save-button" onclick="save('${articlePath}', '${baseUrl}')" class="social-section_share-platforms-heart"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_heart"></i> Save</button>` case 'saved': return String.raw` <button id="save-button" onclick="unsave('${articlePath}', '${baseUrl}')" class="social-section_share-platforms-heart saved"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_heart"></i> Saved</button>` } }</script> <button id="save-button" disabled class="social-section_share-platforms-heart"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_heart"></i> Save</button> <script> (async () => { const saveButton = document.getElementById('save-button'); let isSaved = 'unsaved'; const isLoggedIn = !!localStorage.getItem('access_token'); if(isLoggedIn) { const result = await fetch("https://prd.uim.hda-online.com.au/" + "user/article-save?linkedArticleId=motor-neurone-disease-mnd", { method: 'GET', headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", "Authorization": localStorage.getItem("access_token"), }, }).then(response => response.json()) .then(result => { const articlePath = "motor-neurone-disease-mnd"; const encodedArticlePath = encodeURIComponent(articlePath); if(result && result.data) { const savedArticle = result.data.find(article => article.attributes.linkedArticleId === encodedArticlePath); return !!savedArticle ? 'saved' : 'unsaved'; } return 'unsaved'; }) .catch(error => console.log('error', error)); isSaved = result; } saveButton.outerHTML = getButtonSaveHtml(isSaved, "motor-neurone-disease-mnd", "https://prd.uim.hda-online.com.au/") })() </script> <div class="popup-content hidden"> <form name="shareForm" novalidate class="social-section_share-form"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Share via email</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-notifications"> <div class="form-error-list dor-form_error-area hidden" tabindex="0"> <p>There is a total of <span>5</span> error<span>s</span> on this form, details are below.</p> <ul> <li id="txtNameErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtName">Please enter your name</a></li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Please enter your email</a> </li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Your email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Please enter recipient's email</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="termsChkErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#chkTerms">Agree to Terms required</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="dor-form_success-area hidden gaTrackCaptcha-fail" id="recaptcha"> Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. </div> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblName">Your name: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtNameErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="text" id="txtName" name="shareFromName" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblName" aria-describedby="txtNameErrorLabel" aria-invalid="false" required> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblFromEmail">Your email: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtFromEmail" name="shareFromEmail" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblFromEmail" aria-describedby="txtFromEmailErrorLabel txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblToEmail">Send to: <span class="sr-only"> is required</span></label> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtToEmail" name="shareToEmail" aria-labelledby="lblToEmail" maxlength="50" aria-describedby="txtToEmailErrorLabel txtToEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <p id="termsChkErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <label id="chkTerms" class="dor-chkrdo_group" aria-describedby="termsChkErrorLabel"> <input id="termsChk" class="checkbox-group-input" type="checkbox" name="terms" required> I have read and agree to the <a href="/terms-of-use" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a><span class="sr-only"> is required</span>. <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> </div> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="g-recaptcha dor-modal_body-footer-action" type="submit" title="Send to a friend via email" data-sitekey="6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" data-callback='onSubmit' data-error-callback='onError' data-size="invisible">Submit</button> </footer> </form> </div> <script type="text/javascript">function onSubmit(token) { sendNotification(); }; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2>Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name for a group of diseases that affect your motor nerves — a type of nerve that allows you to move, swallow, talk and breathe.</li> <li>MND symptoms usually begin as mild weakness in your lower body; they gradually worsen and spread to your upper body, causing paralysis and breathing difficulties.</li> <li>In rare cases a genetic mutation can cause MND, but usually there is no known cause.</li> <li>Treatment for MND focuses on managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life, as there is no cure.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is MND?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What are the symptoms of MND?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes MND?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see a doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">How is MND diagnosed?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">How is MND treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevented">Can MND be prevented?</a></li> <li><a href="#complications">What are the complications of MND?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is MND?</h2> <p>Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name for a group of diseases that affect nerves known as motor nerves, or motor neurons. Your motor nerves carry messages from your <a href="/central-nervous-system">brain</a> to your muscles via your spinal cord. These messages allow you to move, swallow, talk and breathe.</p> <p>In MND, these motor neurons become damaged and die. Messages can no longer travel between your brain and muscles. This causes your muscles to become weaker and weaker. This eventually causes paralysis.</p> <p>The MND disease group includes the following diseases:</p> <ul> <li>amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease</li> <li>progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)</li> <li>progressive bulbar palsy (PBP)</li> <li>primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)</li> <li>Kennedy's disease, also known as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA)</li> </ul> <p>These different types of MND are characterised by which body parts they affect. Read more about the <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/types-of-mnd">types of MND</a>.</p> <p>MND is an uncommon disease. MND is more common in people over 50 years old. However, you can get MND at a younger age too.</p> <h2 id="symptoms">What are the symptoms of MND?</h2> <p>Your first symptoms of MND that you notice can be mild, such as:</p> <ul> <li>stumbling because of weakness in your leg muscles</li> <li>difficulty holding and gripping objects because of weakness in your hand muscles</li> <li>slurred speech and swallowing difficulties because of weakness of your tongue and throat muscles</li> <li>cramps and muscle twitching</li> </ul> <p>These symptoms usually start on one side of your body before spreading around your body and getting worse.</p> <p>As your disease progresses you may develop:</p> <ul> <li>difficulty breathing because your breathing muscles are getting weaker</li> <li>fatigue caused by muscle tiredness, reduced lung capacity, weight loss, reduced food intake and changes to your metabolism</li> <li>insomnia caused by discomfort and pain</li> <li>mild changes in your cognitive skills and changes to your typical behaviour and mood</li> <li>some pain and discomfort</li> </ul> <p>You may eventually become very weak and unable to move or breathe on your own.</p> <p>A few people with MND may also develop a type of <a href="/dementia">dementia</a>.</p> <p>MND will not affect your senses and your ability to:</p> <ul> <li>see</li> <li>hear</li> <li>smell</li> <li>taste</li> <li>touch</li> </ul> <p>The rate that symptoms progress is different from person to person.</p> <a href="/symptom-checker" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_user-md"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Symptom Checker</strong> and find out if you need to seek medical help.</p> </a> <h2 id="causes">What causes MND?</h2> <p>Most of the time the exact cause of MND is not known.</p> <p>You cannot catch MND from somebody.</p> <p>There are theories that MND can develop because of a combination of environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors. More research is needed to investigate these theories.</p> <p>Around 1 in 10 cases are 'familial', meaning the <a href="/family-medical-history">condition is inherited</a>. This is because of a genetic mutation, which is an error in a gene. Inherited MND is also known as ‘familial MND’.</p> <p>If you have an MND-related genetic mutation, your children have a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting that MND-related genetic mutation.</p> <p>It is important to remember that not all people with the genetic mutation will develop MND.</p> <p>If someone in your family has MND, you may want to do <a href="/genetic-testing">genetic testing</a> to check if you have the <a href="/guide-to-genetic-disorders">genetic mutation</a>. You will have to first meet with a <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/genetic-counselling">genetic counsellor</a>. You will receive support and counselling about possible test results. Testing usually involves a <a href="/blood-tests-a-z">blood test</a>.</p> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see a doctor?</h2> <p>If you notice any of the symptoms of early MND, you should see your doctor. You will be given a referral for a neurologist. If anyone in your family has MND, you can be tested by your doctor for the genetic mutation.</p> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="diagnosed">How is MND diagnosed?</h2> <p>Your doctor can diagnose you with MND by examining you and observing your symptoms. There is no specific test that diagnoses MND.</p> <p>To confirm your diagnosis and to eliminate other conditions, your doctor may do some of these tests:</p> <ul> <li>electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies</li> <li><a href="/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri">MRI</a> of your brain and spinal cord</li> <li><a href="/blood-testing">blood tests</a></li> <li>muscle biopsy</li> <li>lumbar puncture</li> </ul> <p>When you first start having symptoms, MND can be hard to diagnose. This is because your symptoms may be mild and non-specific. They could be related to other conditions. It is important to see a doctor if your symptoms do not get better.</p> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2 id="treated">How is MND treated?</h2> <p>If you have MND, your treatment will focus on managing your symptoms and any complications you have. There is no cure for MND.</p> <p>A medicine called <a href="/medicines/medicinal-product/aht,20011/riluzole">riluzole</a> has been approved for use in Australia to treat ALS. Riluzole is available on the <a href="/pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-pbs">Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)</a> if you are eligible. Riluzole can slow down the progression of your disease and improve your quality of life. It can extend your survival by 6 – 19 months.</p> <p>A medicine called edaravone can help slow the progression of MND, however it is not yet approved in Australia for the treatment of MND. There are other new treatments being developed to help people with MND. You can ask your neurologist for more information.</p> <p>You will have a multidisciplinary team looking after you, including:</p> <ul> <li><strong>specialist doctors</strong> — <a href="/the-role-of-a-gp">general practitioners</a>, <a href="/neurologist">neurologists</a> and gastroenterologists</li> <li><strong><a href="/help-to-remain-living-at-home-if-you-have-a-chronic-disease-or-serious-illness">home care nurses</a></strong></li> <li><strong>allied health professionals</strong> — <a href="/occupational-therapy">occupational therapists</a>. <a href="/physiotherapy">physiotherapists</a>, <a href="/speech-pathology">speech pathologists</a>, <a href="/social-workers">social workers</a>, dietitians and <a href="/psychiatrists-and-psychologists">psychologists</a></li> </ul> <p>Your healthcare team will work together to help relieve your symptoms, maintain your quality of life and provide <a href="/palliative-care">palliative care</a> as needed.</p> <p>You may be recommended to make some changes to your home and use some devices, such as:</p> <ul> <li>mobility aids — including wheelchairs</li> <li>communication devices</li> <li><a href="/peg-tube-placement">feeding tube</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/research/get-involved-in-research/clinical-trials/individualised-dosing-of-non-invasive-ventilation-for-motor-neurone-disease-(3tla-trial)">non-invasive ventilation</a></li> </ul> <p>Most people with MND die within 2 to 3 years of developing the condition. However, some people can live a long time.</p> <p>See MND Australia's guide about <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/getattachment/32d3a0d6-df0c-4400-ae53-482289a75758/MNDAus_EndofLifeGuide_digital-version.pdf">end of life care for people living with MND</a>.</p> <h2 id="prevented">Can MND be prevented?</h2> <p>There is currently nothing you can do to prevent MND. However, recent discovery of genes associated with MND has raised the possibility of future gene therapy.</p> <h2 id="complications">What are the complications of MND?</h2> <p>The complications of MND relate to late-stage disease. This can involve respiratory failure and paralysis.</p> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <ul> <li>The MND Association in your state or territory provides individualised support with an <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/find-services/state-mnd-associations">MND advisor</a> who can help you navigate any questions or concerns. To find the MND Association in your state, visit <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/find-services">MND Australia</a>. The website also has a range of resources for people with MND and their family and friends.</li> <li>There are <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/find-services/mnd-clinics">MND clinics or services available across Australia</a> offering multidisciplinary care for people living with MND.</li> <li>If you or someone you are close with are struggling with a new diagnosis or progression of symptoms, call <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/">Head to Health</a> on 1800 595 212 for emotional support.</li> </ul> <h3>Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?</h3> <ul> <li>MND Australia has a <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://mndsapathway.com.au/assets/Uploads/Elements/FileList/MND-A5-Brochure-16pp-Final-Art.pdf">guide explaining MND</a> for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.</li> <li>Gwandalan offers <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://gwandalanpalliativecare.com.au/">palliative care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people</a>.</li> </ul></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(What is motor neurone disease)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(Types of MND)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mnd.org.au/" target="_blank" title="MND Victoria">MND Victoria</a> <em>(Signs and symptoms)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(Overview of MND)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Healthy WA">Healthy WA</a> <em>(Motor neurone disease (MND))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com" target="_blank" title="The Medical Journal of Australia">The Medical Journal of Australia</a> <em>(Motor neurone disease: progress and challenges (Dharmadasa T, Henderso RD, et al))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(Familial MND and genetic testing)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(MND care approach)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(Diagnosing MND)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(Medication for MND)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/" target="_blank" title="MND Australia">MND Australia</a> <em>(Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) consultation on edaravone)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: June 2024</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="44"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/information-resources/riluzole" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|9813e749-180d-4657-ba10-9859d1fb4121"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Factsheet: Riluzole | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Riluzole is a medication for motor neurone disease that extends life and slows the progression of MND by an average of 6–19 months. Learn more.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/find-services/mnd-clinics" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|6a544d4e-f6a3-417c-a2ef-7c86234b6a0b"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Clinics in Australia | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>MND clinics have multidisciplinary healthcare professionals that provide a coordinated approach to supporting people with motor neurone disease.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/living-with-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|0f51502e-3f65-4d58-a327-7b2bfccb6a90"> <h3>MND Connect: Living well with MND | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>MND Connect provides resources & information for people living with motor neurone disease; including the carers, family & health professionals who support them.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/what-is-motor-neurone-disease-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|9ddec5fa-b843-4c15-918e-087afae25c25"> <h3>What is motor neurone disease (MND?) | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>MND is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons. Early MND symptoms include muscle weakness, slurred speech and swallowing difficulties.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/find-services/mnd-information-sessions" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|600c4d28-98d3-442d-bc51-a3e6d3221041"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information Sessions | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The Australian MND Associations regularly host education & information sessions on motor neurone disease care and the latest research updates. Learn more.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/mnd-research" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e079626f-e09f-42a9-a067-e8ef873cb400"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Research For A Cure | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Research into motor neurone disease is the only way to discover causes, treatments & ultimately a cure for MND. Learn about the latest research news & progress.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/living-with-mnd/medication-for-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|4f0af33d-ea87-41e9-ad17-2ee51fc14b5d"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Medication: Riluzole | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Riluzole is a medicinal treatment for motor neurone disease that slows the progression of the disease and extends survival by an average of 6–19 months.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|cc33e363-bb6a-49e8-ab80-3a0463c41295"> <h3>Learn About Motor Neurone Disease (ALS/MND) | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Motor neurone disease is also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. Find out about the types of MND, genetics, research for treatments & early symptoms of MND.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/living-with-mnd/speech-communication" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|a7d57879-b92d-4f19-b638-f00950178a09"> <h3>Speech & Communication with MND | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Motor neurone disease can cause weakness in the tongue, lips, vocal cords and breathing muscles which can result in changes in the ability to speak. Learn more.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/types-of-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8c2e917c-8cf9-4a33-9c66-4abf9cffaa28"> <h3>Types of MND: ALS, PLS, PBP, PMA, MND/FTD | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>MND is an umbrella term to describe the different types of motor neurone diseases. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is the most common form of MND.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MND Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="21"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.mndnsw.asn.au/mndconnect.html" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|067389f5-26ef-4ad8-b3a8-e53251174333"> <h3>MND Connect</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Information, support and education for people with all types of motor neurone disease, their families and carers in New South Wales, ACT and NT. Fundraising for research into finding a cause and cure for motor neurone disease. Welcome to the website of MND NSW.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/managing-symptoms/movement-joints" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|df2cc293-eda6-421a-8fcd-6d3e635c0eac"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/wellbeing-and-support/assistive-technology" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|ad28595c-b981-4eb5-95e9-a8c271b9b9ec"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/mnd-care-approach" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|edcce17b-24d0-4478-bbad-dc2f7b0d3efa"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/managing-symptoms/breathing-management-in-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3de341a1-5c7e-4afd-b103-52b22faf1215"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8ec1f9f4-e2cc-466f-8ad4-2f530bcfebed"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/managing-symptoms/swallowing-nutrition-management" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|03a44e1d-927b-465f-af75-e85dfe418efb"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/managing-symptoms/saliva-management-in-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|62c38464-4931-4889-9415-3ba55687cb6b"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/wellbeing-and-support/psychosocial-support" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|9b0fd212-086c-4756-929d-431a3976f300"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/for-health-professionals-service-providers/diagnosing-mnd" data-partner-url="partners/motor-neurone-disease-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|a2d75901-6334-46a5-88ec-f854f97746c1"> <h3>Motor Neurone Disease Information & Support | MND Australia | MND Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Resources, information and service linkage for people living with MND as well as tailored resources for supporting health professionals & services providers.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on MND Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MND Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mndauslogo-b5856c.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="partner-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"><h2>Disclaimer</h2></header> <div class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <div class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <p>Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.</p> </div> </div> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <a target="_blank" class="main-action main-action__link" role="button"><button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action">OK</button></a> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> HDW.partnerResults = JSON.parse('{\"localContentConfig\":{\"PBB\":{\"logo\":\"PBB_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"Pregnancy, Birth & Baby\"},\"MHC\":{\"logo\":\"MHC_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mindhealthconnect.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"mindhealthconnect\"},\"HIN\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"},\"HCW\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/about.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"}}}') initArticleSearchResults(JSON.parse('{\"general\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/general?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22Motor%20Neurone%20Disease%22%20AND%20MND&fq=document_channel%3A(%22HIN%22%20OR%20%22PBB%22%20OR%20%22MHC%22%20OR%20%22HCW%22)&fq=!canonical_channel%3A%22HIN%22&fq=(canonical_channel%3A%5B*%20TO%20*%5D%20OR%20content_type%3A%22hdaptn%3ApartnerContent%22)&fq=audience_en%3A(%22Consumers%22%20OR%20%22Carers%22)\",\"professional\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/keyword?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22Motor%20Neurone%20Disease%22%20AND%20MND&fq=!partner%3A%22healthdirect%22&fq=audience_en%3A%22Health%20Professionals%22\"}')); </script> </section> </div> <aside class="main_content-col-right print-hidden"> <div class="tablet-up"> <section class="widget-sym" data-ng-show="symptom" data-semantic-links="semanticLinks" layout="sidebar"> <h2>Symptom checker</h2> <p><strong>Worried about your health?</strong></p><p>Select a symptom, answer some questions, get advice.</p> <a class="widget-sym-btn" href="/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC" title="Check symptoms">Start Your Symptom Check</a> </section> <section class="hsf-panel-node-sidebar-mode veyron-search-by-service-panel "> <form data-old-class="hsf-form" name="serviceFinderForm" novalidate=""> <fieldset class="hsf-form_services"> <legend class="sr-only">service category</legend> <h2>Find a health service</h2> <section class="dor-form_error-area veyron-hsf-panel-error-list hidden" id="hadLocationErrors"> <ul> <li>Please enter a suburb or postcode of your location and select from the list.</li> <li>Unable to find your location. Please enter manually below.</li> <li>Location not found.</li> </ul> </section> <div class="hsf-form_services-cols" data-old-class="widget-hsf_content-col"> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="GP (General practice)" value="aht-11222" checked="checked"> GP (General practice) <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="Pharmacy" value="aht-12243" > Pharmacy <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="Emergency Departments" value="aht-10968" > Emergency Departments <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="Hospitals" value="aht-11440" > Hospitals <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <p><a href="/australian-health-services">Need more services?</a></p> </div> </fieldset> <fieldset class="hsf-form_location veyron-hsf-panel-location"> <legend class="sr-only">enter a location</legend> <section class="dor-form_error-area veyron-hsf-panel-error-list hidden" id="hadLocationErrors"> <ul> <li>Please enter a suburb or postcode of your location and select from the list.</li> <li>Unable to find your location. Please enter manually below.</li> <li>Location not found.</li> </ul> </section> <div> <label>Enter a location</label>   <div class="hsf-form_location-input-group" data-old-class="widget-hsf_content-col-start-location"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hsf-form_location-input-group-spinner veyron-hsf-panel-spinner"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hsf-form_location-input-group-icon"></i> <input class="hsf-form_location-input-group-txt veyron-hsf-panel-location-input" placeholder="Enter postcode or town" type="search" role="combobox" aria-label="Enter a location" aria-describedby="hadLocationErrors" aria-haspopup="true" autocomplete="off" name="locationText" aria-expanded="false" aria-invalid="false" required="" id="search-location-node-sidebar-mode"> <ul class="hsf-form_location-input-group-auto-suggest veyron-hsf-panel-location-auto-suggest-list"> <li class="location-list-item veyron-hsf-panel-location-list-item" data-veyron-click="" tabindex="0" data-url="{{url}}" >{{prefLabel}}</li> </ul> </div> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group"> <input class="veyron-hsf-panel-use-current-location-checkbox" type="checkbox">Use current location <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <button class="hsf-form_location-btn veyron-hsf-panel-search-btn" name="search">Search</button>  </div> </fieldset> </form> </section> <script type="text/javascript"> initHsfPanel('hsf-panel-node-sidebar-mode' ); </script> </div> <section class="main_content-article-helper mobile-only"> <a class="main_content-article-helper-sym" href="/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC">Check your symptoms</a> <a class="main_content-article-helper-hsf" href="/australian-health-services">Find a health service</a> </section> </aside> </section> </section> <script type="text/javascript"> (function () { var mainContent = ƒ1('.main_content'); var mainContentView = ƒ1('.main_content-article-text', mainContent); var readMoreButton = ƒ1('.main_content-article-btn-read-full', mainContent); if(readMoreButton){ readMoreButton.bind('click', function(){ readMoreButton.hide(); mainContentView.addClass('main_content-article-text__is-full-view'); }); } processAngularFilters(mainContentView); })(); </script> <div class="veyron-sc-hsf-action-nav"> <section class="content_hotline"> <h1 class="sr-only">Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline</h1> <div class="content_hotline-container"> <p>24 hour health advice you can count on</p> <p><a class="content_hotline-phone" href="tel:1800022222" data-ng-click="hotlineClicked()"><i aria-hidden="true" class="content_hotline-phone-icon"></i> 1800 022 222</a></p> </div> </section> </div> <section class="content_partners veyron-partner-strap-ui"> <h1 class="sr-only">Government Accredited with over 140 information partners</h1> <img class="content_partners-hda-logo" src="/assets/images/logo-hda.svg" alt="Healthdirect logo"> <p>We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice</p> <div> <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-dep-health.png" alt="Australian Government, health department logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.act.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-act.png" alt="ACT Government logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-nsw-health.png" alt="New South Wales government, health department logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.nt.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-nt.png" alt="Northen Territory Government logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-qld.png" alt="Queensland Government logo"></a> <a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-sa.png" alt="Government of South Australia, health department logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.tas.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-tas.png" alt="Tasmanian government logo"></a> <a href="https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-vic.png" alt="Victorian government logo"></a> <a href="https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-wa.png" alt="Government of Western Australia, health department logo"></a> </div> </section> <footer class="hda-foot"> <div class="hda-foot_container"> <div class="grid-row"> <div class="hda-foot_col-about"> <h2>About</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-healthdirect-can-help-you" rel="noopener">How we can help</a> </li> <li><a href="/health-app">Our mobile app</a></li> <li><a href="/linking-to-us" target="_blank">Linking to us</a></li> <li><a href="/information-partners">Information partners</a></li> <li> <a href="https://healthdirect-serviceline.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/3/create/13" >Register your service</a > </li> <li><a href="/terms-of-use">Terms of use</a></li> <li><a href="/privacy-policy">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="/contact-us">Contact us</a></li> <li><a href="https://about.healthdirect.gov.au/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">About us</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-discover"> <h2>Discover</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/blog">Blog</a></li> <li><a href="/bmi-calculator">BMI calculator</a></li> <li><a href="/health-and-wellbeing-apps">Health apps</a></li> <li><a href="/medicines">Medicines</a></li> <li><a href="/australian-health-services">Service finder</a></li> <li><a href="/symptom-checker">Symptom checker</a></li> <li><a href="/question-builder">Question builder</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-language"> <h2>Resources in your language</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/ar/resources-in-arabic">Arabic عربى</a></li> <li><a href="/bn/resources-in-bengali">বাংলা Bengali</a></li> <li><a href="/zh-hans/resources-in-chinese-simplified">简体中文 Chinese Simplified</a></li> <li><a href="/zh-hant/resources-in-chinese-traditional">繁體中文 Chinese Traditional</a></li> <li><a href="/vi/resources-in-vietnamese">Tiếng Việt Vietnamese</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-social-app"> <p> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/healthdirect-check-symptoms/id1021494621?ls=1&mt=8" rel="noopener" > <img class="hda-foot_col-social-app-store-img" src="/assets/images/app-apple-store.png" alt="download from the App store"/></a > <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.org.healthdirect.healthdirectapp" rel="noopener" > <img class="hda-foot_col-social-app-store-img" src="/assets/images/app-google-play.png" alt="download from google play"/></a > </p> <p>          <a aria-label="link to facebook page" class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" href="https://www.facebook.com/healthdirectaus/" target="_blank" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i ></a> <a aria-label="link to instagram page" class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" href="https://www.instagram.com/healthdirectaus" target="_blank" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_insta"></i ></a> <a aria-label="link to linked-in page" class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthdirect-australia" target="_blank" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_linkedin"></i ></a> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="hda-foot_container"> <div class="grid-row"> <p> healthdirect's information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous <a href="https://about.healthdirect.gov.au/clinical-governance" rel="noopener" target="_blank" >clinical governance framework</a >. </p> <p> <small >This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="https://policies.google.com/terms" target="_blank">Terms of Service</a> apply. </small> </p> </div> </div> </footer> <div class="hda-foot_acknowledge"> <p> Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present. </p> <p class="hda-foot_copyright"> © 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited </p> </div> <div class="veyron-global-popup hidden"> <div class="veyron-global-disable-screen dor-modal_screen"></div> <div class="dor-modal_body veyron-global-popup-body"> <div class="veyron-global-popup-container"> </div> <button class="dor-modal_body-exit"> <i class="dor-icon_cross"></i> </button> </div> </div>  <div class="veyron-legacy-browser-msg-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Support for this browser is being discontinued</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-form_error-area"> <p>Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site</p> <ul> <li>Internet Explorer 11 and lower</li> </ul> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main cont"> <p>We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.google.com.au/chrome/">Chrome by Google</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new">Firefox by Mozilla</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge">Microsoft Edge</a></li> <li><a href="https://support.apple.com/en_AU/downloads/safari">Safari by Apple</a></li> </ul> <p>You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.</p> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action veyron-popup-ok">Continue</button> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function supportedIE() { var ua = window.navigator.userAgent; // Test values; Uncomment to check result … // IE 10 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; MSIE 10.0; Windows NT 6.2; Trident/6.0)'; // IE 11 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.3; Trident/7.0; rv:11.0) like Gecko'; // Edge 12 (Spartan) // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; WOW64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/39.0.2171.71 Safari/537.36 Edge/12.0'; // Edge 13 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/46.0.2486.0 Safari/537.36 Edge/13.10586'; var msie = ua.indexOf('MSIE '); if (msie > 0) { // IE 10 or older => return version number // return parseInt(ua.substring(msie + 5, ua.indexOf('.', msie)), 10); return false; } var trident = ua.indexOf('Trident/'); if (trident > 0) { // IE 11 => return version number // var rv = ua.indexOf('rv:'); // return parseInt(ua.substring(rv + 3, ua.indexOf('.', rv)), 10); return false; } var edge = ua.indexOf('Edge/'); if (edge > 0) { // Edge (IE 12+) => return version number // return parseInt(ua.substring(edge + 5, ua.indexOf('.', edge)), 10); return true; } // other browser return true; } function loadLegacyPopup() { var alreadyActiveSession = localStorage.getItem('isSessionActive'); // check for active session and or user logged in if(!alreadyActiveSession && !supportedIE()){ // user has alread visited clicked on continue where localStorage isSessionActive is set var ƒ = window['ƒ']; var ƒ1 = window['ƒ1']; var popupContainer = ƒ.openPopup(); var PopupContent = ƒ1('.veyron-legacy-browser-msg-popup-content').clone(); popupContainer.innerHTML = PopupContent.innerHTML; var continueBtn = ƒ1('.veyron-popup-ok', popupContainer); setTimeout(ƒ.setPopupHeight(), 0); continueBtn.bind('click', function(){ ƒ.closePopup(); localStorage.setItem('isSessionActive', 'Visited'); }); } } loadLegacyPopup(); </script> <div id="veyron-throbber" class="hidden"> <div class="dor-throbber_screen"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body">  <div class="dor-throbber_body-container"> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect1"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect2"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect3"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect4"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect5"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect6"></div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/components/veyron/bootstrapper.js"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Motor neurone disease (MND) - causes, symptoms and treatments | healthdirect