Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Motor neurone disease (MND)
A team of HCA UK consultant neurologists and therapists can diagnose and support people with motor neurone disease
About
Motor neurone disease (MND) affects the nerves (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord, causing gradual weakness over time. This is because messages from the nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken, stiffen and waste. There's no cure for MND but people can live with it for many years.
Need to know
Early symptoms of MND can include:
- weakness in the ankle or leg
- tripping up more often
- slurred speech
- difficulty swallowing
- a weak grip
- muscle cramps
- twitches
- thinning arms or leg muscles
- difficulty to control crying
- laughing in inappropriate situations
MND has similar symptoms to other diseases, which can make it harder to diagnose. You will see a consultant neurologist, who may order a lumbar puncture, when a thin needle is used to remove and test the fluid from within your spine. They may also order tests to measure the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves, as well as a scan of your brain and spine blood tests.
There’s no cure for motor neurone disease, but there are various treatments and therapies that can help you manage your symptoms. A medicine to slow down the progress of the condition, and there are medicines to relieve muscle stiffness and to help make swallowing easier. Therapies include physiotherapy and exercise to reduce stiffness; speech and language therapy to help with speech; occupational therapy to make everyday tasks easier; psychological and emotional support to help you cope with the condition.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.