Pain
Pain and discomfort are not caused directly by the MND but may have several indirect causes. Your GP should be able to prescribe a suitable painkiller.
Muscle cramps and spasms
May be relieved by changing position when relaxing in a chair or bed. If this is not helpful your doctor may be able to provide a muscle relaxant.
Stiff joints
Can be helped with gentle exercise (consult a physiotherapist).
Incontinence
Incontinence may occur if mobility is restricted and getting to the toilet becomes more difficult. Your occupational therapist and specialist nurse can advise you if this is a problem.
Bowel problems
The bowel may become constipated due to restricted mobility and/or changes to diet. Increasing fluid and fibre may help, or ask your doctor to prescribe a laxative. Diarrhoea may be the overflow from a severely constipated bowel. Ask your district nurse or GP for advice.
Saliva and mucous
When swallowing becomes a problem an excess of saliva may pool in the mouth, or it may become thick and sticky. In both cases your GP will be able to prescribe medication to help. (See InfP3 Saliva Control (186 kb) )
Coughing and feeling of choking
These may occur as a result of food or saliva becoming lodged in the airway, a speech therapist can teach you techniques to help manage these episodes.
Breathing
Eventually the breathing muscles will become affected by the MND. When this happens you will need a breathing assessment from a respiratory consultant. Please refer to Inf14A Understanding how MND might affect your breathing (122 kb) for more information.
Cognitive changes
Some people living with MND will experience difficulties with memory, learning, language and poor concentration. This is commonly known as cognitive change. Some of these difficulties may be quite subtle, while for others the change can be more pronounced and noticeable.
Life With MND
