Neuromuscular system

Motor neurone disease (MND) is also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Lou Gehrig's disease. MND is a rapidly progressing, neurological disease. Motor neurones are nerve cells that control the voluntary muscles of the trunk and limbs, and affect speech, swallowing and breathing. Damage to these nerves causes muscle weakness and wasting. People with MND become increasingly disabled, and may lose speech, have difficulty swallowing and eventually die from respiratory (breathing) failure.

People with motor neurone disease can keep some independence and quality of life with the right help.

A person with motor neurone disease may have difficulty with everyday items in their home.

Problems using the toilet and bathroom can be stressful for both the person with motor neurone disease and their carer.

Recreation and leisure are very important for everyone, especially for people with limited activity.

Multiple sclerosis is not contagious, but it is progressive and unpredictable.

Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be eased with medications, therapies and self-help strategies.

Folic acid taken before conception, and during at least the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, can prevent around 7 out of 10 cases of neural tube defects.

The combination of the nervous system and muscles is known as the neuromuscular system.

Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways some people experience minor motor skill problems, while others may be totally physically dependent

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is the most common inherited disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.

Essential tremor causes involuntary shaking or trembling of particular parts of the body, usually the head and hands, but it is not Parkinson's disease.

To the casual observer, a person with Friedreich's ataxia may seem to be drunk.

If you have a child with a disability you can help improve their communication and movement by encouraging them to take part in daily activities.

Kennedy's disease is a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles, particularly the arms and legs.

People affected by muscular dystrophy have different degrees of independence, mobility and carer needs.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness.

Polio is a serious disease that can cause life-threatening paralysis and possibly death.

Restless legs syndrome has been described as a type of cramp, soreness or a creeping, crawling feeling.

People with Rett syndrome have a keen desire to communicate.

Milder forms of Tourette syndrome can be misdiagnosed, as it often occurs at the same time as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders.

People with Parkinson's disease can help manage their symptoms through medication and support.

Constipation is a common complication of Parkinson's disease.

Communication is the best remedy for all types of relationship problems, including sexual problems caused by Parkinson?s disease.

Folate can prevent up to 70 per cent of spina bifida cases if taken daily for one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.

A child with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 rarely lives beyond three years of age.