Mimics and Chameleons in Motor Neurone Disease
The unique anatomy of the cervical spine in which there is close proximity of both UMN and LMN makes degenerative myeloradiculopathy a potential diagnostic pitfall in cases of suspected MND. Moreover, pure motor syndromes and absent sphincter involvement are not uncommon in cervical spondylotic disease. However, incidental spondylosis of the spine is highly prevalent among those with MND, given the mean age of onset of 65 years, and preventing unnecessary orthopaedic surgery is an ever-present challenge. Symptoms such as emotionality and abnormal signs above the neck are helpful in avoiding overinterpretation of neck pathology in relation to limb weakness.
Mixed Signs
Cervical Myeloradiculopathy
The unique anatomy of the cervical spine in which there is close proximity of both UMN and LMN makes degenerative myeloradiculopathy a potential diagnostic pitfall in cases of suspected MND. Moreover, pure motor syndromes and absent sphincter involvement are not uncommon in cervical spondylotic disease. However, incidental spondylosis of the spine is highly prevalent among those with MND, given the mean age of onset of 65 years, and preventing unnecessary orthopaedic surgery is an ever-present challenge. Symptoms such as emotionality and abnormal signs above the neck are helpful in avoiding overinterpretation of neck pathology in relation to limb weakness.
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