This Motor Neurone Disease symptom in the mouth can be overlooked - see a doctor if you have it

Sophie Buchan & Rachel Cronin
·2-min read
One symptom of MND can be seen in the mouth and is often overlooked
-Credit:Dazeley via Getty Images


Brits are being urged by the NHS to keep an eye out for symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This condition causes progressive muscle weakness and one key sign that can show up in the mouth is often overlooked.

MND Scotland says that around 450 people in the country are living with Motor Neurone Disease. One symptom that can easily be brushed off as normal is excessive saliva, or drooling. MND is difficult to live with and can shorten your lifespan, and there is sadly no cure.

People with symptoms should speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. But what are the tell-tale signs of MND?

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What are the symptoms of motor neurone disease (MND)?

Motor neurone disease is most commonly seen in individuals over 50, but it can occur in any adult, reports Surrey Live.

Early symptoms include:

  • stiff or weak hands – you may have problems holding or gripping things

  • weak legs and feet – you may find climbing stairs difficult, you may trip over a lot and you may find it hard to lift or move your foot (foot drop)

  • twitches, spasms or muscle cramps (where muscles painfully tighten)

As MND gets progresses, symptoms can involve:

  • problems breathing, swallowing and speaking

  • producing a lot of saliva (drool)

  • changes in your mood and personality

  • being unable to walk or move

Difficulty moving is one symptom of MND
Difficulty moving is one symptom of MND -Credit:Getty Images

Symptoms of MND vary, and those with the condition may not experience all of them. The progression rate of the disease also differs from person to person.

Muscle twitches and weakness could indicate a less serious health problem, but the NHS advises that it’s crucial to have any symptoms looked at by a GP.

The NHS warns: "MND damages and attacks the nerves, meaning that messages being sent from the brain to the muscles no longer work. MND affects people from all walks of life and in different ways."

They also reveal that "six people are diagnosed with MND every day in the UK. Up to 5,000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time."

There are different types of MND

There are four types of MND -Credit:Getty Images
There are four types of MND -Credit:Getty Images

There are four types of MND which each affect different parts of the body, particularly during the early stages of the condition. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of MND.

The four types of MND are:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)- involves muscle weakness in the arms and legs that can cause you to trip and drop things

  • Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP)- mainly affects muscles in the face, throat and tongue, causing slurred speech and problems swallowing

  • Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)- weakness in the hands

  • Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)- weak legs, sometimes with other symptoms including speech problems

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