After noticing a weakness in his shoulder, the father-of-two was given the diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND).
The NHS has issued an important message following Lewis Moody’s ‘incredibly hard’ diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND). The former England rugby captain learned of his condition just two weeks ago and described it as a ‘huge shock’ in an emotional BBC interview.
Whilst the father-of-two, 47, consulted medical professionals after noticing weakness in his shoulder during gym sessions, the NHS highlights several other potential warning signs that people should be aware of.
After former England Rugby captain Lewis Moody revealed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), the health service wrote in an X post today. On the NHS website, you can learn more about MND, including symptoms, diagnoses, and more. “
Following Moody’s devastating revelation, the Mirror has compiled essential information about the condition, those it impacts and its first symptoms.
Describe MND.
The nerves that control movement, also known as motor neurons, are attacked by MND, a progressive, life-shortening condition that causes death. This frequently causes muscle weakness that gets worse over the course of several months or years.
MND is more prevalent in people over the age of 50, even among adults of any age. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for MND, but there are options to manage its symptoms.
According to the NHS, its initial symptoms may include:
- Weak legs and feet: You might have trouble climbing stairs, you might trip over a lot, and you might find it difficult to lift your feet.
- muscle cramps, spasms, or twitches
- Hands that are fragile or fragile
You might also experience:
- a disability that prevents walking
- difficult swallowing, speaking, or breathing
- Producing a lot of saliva
- Have your personality or mood changed?
Although there are actually four main types of motor neuron disease, ALS is the most prevalent. People are affected by each variation in different ways.
When should a doctor see you?
The early signs of MND can resemble those of less serious conditions. Therefore, having spasms or muscle weakness does not always indicate MND.
The NHS specifically advises patients who are experiencing three crucial symptoms to see their GP:
- Handling or grabbing objects difficult
- Your feet or legs have a weakness.
- Consistent, long-lasting, or persistent muscle cramps that do not go away
The official advice continues: “A GP may refer you to a brain and nerve specialist (neurologist) for an assessment and some tests if they believe you may have motor neurone disease (MND).
