What Is Motor Neuron Disease?
10. Treatment and Prognosis
Generally, there is no known cure for most MNDs. Supportive care is available and can be tailored based on the patient’s symptoms. Prognosis wise, ALS is relentless in its progression. About 50% survive less than 3 years after diagnosis while another 20% survive 5 to 10 years. ALS patients generally die due to pulmonary complications.
In HSP, patients are expected to have a normal life expectancy and most die in old age due to other diseases. In PLS, the disease progression is slow and independence can be maintained for many years or decades. In type 1 SMA, because of rapid progression, 2/3 of patients die in the first 2 years. In type 2 SMA, life expectancy to adolescence and adulthood is common. In type 3, the life expectancy is similar to the normal population. In PBP, less than 40% survive more than 10 years after the onset of symptoms.
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