Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a group of rare and incurable neurological disorders that affect the motor neurons that control muscle movement. This group of diseases is also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig’s disease, or Charcot’s disease. MND affects about 2 in 100,000 people worldwide, and it typically strikes in the mid to late adulthood, with most cases occurring between the ages of 40 and 70. Health Direct states that around 1 in 10 cases are ‘familial’, meaning it is inherited. Although MND can occur in anyone, it is more common in men than in women.

Platforms like Medditour help those requiring treatments for MND by connecting them to global hospitals and facilitators so as to ensure quality treatments at affordable cost.

Let’s explore about MND, its diagnosis, and treatments and find out how medical tourism help in managing MND.

MND Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MND can be challenging because it has no single test or symptom. A medical professional will generally start by conducting a physical exam to check for signs of muscle weakness, muscle wasting, and abnormal reflexes. A variety of tests may also be performed, including electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle activity, and nerve conduction studies (NCS), which test nerve function.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may also be used to rule out other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of MND, such as spinal cord tumors, herniated discs, and multiple sclerosis. Blood and urine tests may also be performed to check for other diseases or conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

MND Treatments

National Institute for Health and Care Research states that the average life expectancy of someone with MND from diagnosis is just 18 months and there is currently no cure. Therefore the treatment is generally aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The most common treatments for MND include medication, therapy, and supportive care.

Medications such as Riluzole and Edaravone are often prescribed to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms such as muscle cramps and spasms. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help to maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility, while speech and swallowing therapy can help to manage speech and swallowing difficulties.

Supportive care is also a critical aspect of MND treatment, and it involves a team of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists working together to provide comprehensive care. Supportive care may include nutritional support, respiratory support, and palliative care to relieve pain and manage symptoms.

Medical Tourism and MND Treatment

Medical tourism has emerged as a viable option for people seeking specialized medical treatments for MND. There are several reasons why medical tourism may be attractive to patients with MND that include access to specialized treatments, lower costs, and shorter waiting times.

Medical tourism destinations like India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Turkey offer a range of medical treatments for MND, at a fraction of the cost compared to that in the United States and other developed countries.

In addition to lower costs, medical tourism can also provide access to specialized treatments that may not be available in the patient’s home country. For example, stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for MND, but it is not yet approved by the FDA in the United States. Patients seeking this treatment may be able to find it in other countries where it is legal and regulated.

Medical tourism platforms like Medditour help the patients seeking treatment for MND by combining their treatments with vacation at international medical tourism destinations, which would give them the relaxation and stress-relief required.

In conclusion, the Motor Neuron Disease is a rare and incurable neurological disorder that affects the motor neurons that control muscle movement. Diagnosis can be challenging, and treatment is generally aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Medical tourism has emerged as a viable option for people seeking specialized MND treatments, offering lower costs and access to specialized treatments.