BMJ  2008;336:658-662 (22 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39493.511759.BE

Clinical Review

Diagnosis and management of motor neurone disease

Christopher J McDermott, clinical senior lecturer and honorary consultant neurologist, Pamela J Shaw, professor

1 Sheffield Care and Research Centre for Motor Neurone Disorders/Academic Neurology Unit, Section of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX

Correspondence to: C J McDermott Christopher.Mcdermott@sth.nhs.uk

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Motor neurone disease is a devastating illness which leads to progressive paralysis and eventual death. We will discuss the presentation of motor neurone disease in primary care and update non-specialists on progress with regards to life prolonging interventions, better control of disease symptoms, and an increased understanding of disease mechanisms. Motor neurone disease is rare but patients often are aware of it, so this review should help non-specialists reassure patients in whom it is unlikely to be the diagnosis.

The review is based on our experience in running the Sheffield Care and Research Centre for Motor Neurone Disorders and an up to date review of the current literature relating to motor neurone disease. Searches used PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases.

Motor neurone disease is relatively uncommon with an annual incidence of 2 in 100 000 and prevalence of 5-7 per 100 000.1 2 3 General practitioners can expect to see one . . . [Full text of this article]

TDP-43
Role of microglial and astrocytes
Gene studies

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