Concerned you may have MND?

You may feel you are experiencing some of the symptoms indicative of Motor Neurone Disease.
Below are questions most frequently asked by people concerned they may have MND.

I am experiencing fasciculations, (muscle twitching), does this mean I have MND?
I have tingling and numbness in my hands, feet and limbs, is this a symptom of MND?
I sometimes get a burning sensation in my limbs, can this be associated with MND?
I get very tired, I seem to have no energy, and I am having fasciculations. Is this MND?
I keep tripping up and one of my legs looks thinner than the other, should I see my doctor? I feel fine in myself.
My hands feel weak and stiff; I am finding it difficult to turn my front door key, could this be a symptom of MND?

I am experiencing fasciculations, (muscle twitching), does this mean I have MND?

Fasciculations (muscle twitching) are experienced by up to 70% of the general population. Sometimes the twitching can be confined to one area of the body, at other times they may be felt in several areas at once.
Fasciculations on their own can be a consequence of stress, viral infection, or general ill health. They can also be present in the body for no known reason and many people live with them on a daily basis for much of their life. Fasciculations are usually only associated with a neurological condition when other symptoms are present.

I have tingling and numbness in my hands, feet and limbs, is this a symptom of MND?

Tingling and numbness are associated with some neurological conditions, but MND is not one of these. If this symptom is a constant problem see your GP who may refer you to a neurologist if he/she feels you may have a problem.

I sometimes get a burning sensation in my limbs, can this be associated with MND?

MND affects the motor neurones, which sit in close proximity to the sensory neurones in the brain. The sensory neurones are not affected by MND but because of this closeness, they can occasionally produce sympathetic reactions causing different sensations in the body.

I get very tired, I seem to have no energy, and I am having fasciculations. Is this MND?

MND can indeed make people feel very tired and lethargic but MND will also be accompanied by other symptoms. If you are feeling very tired and are having fasciculations but no other problems, the fasciculations may be a result of your body responding to the tiredness. Consult your GP who will be able to carry out tests to rule out other causes.

I keep tripping up and one of my legs looks thinner than the other, should I see my doctor? I feel fine in myself.

It would be wise to see your GP who may refer you to a neurologist if he feels you may have a problem. Weakness and wasting in a leg does not mean you have MND as there are several conditions which can cause this type of symptom.

My hands feel weak and stiff; I am finding it difficult to turn my front door key, could this be a symptom of MND?

Weakness in the hand may indicate a neurological problem, but it can also be caused by increasing age and joint problems, or occasionally a trapped nerve. If you have no other problems you should see your GP who will be able to ascertain if you need to be referred to the hospital for tests.