Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow undergo degeneration and die.1 There is no known cure and most sufferers experience a rapid decline in function, having a short expectancy period after diagnosis.
He has one of the most brilliant minds of our century. Stephen Hawking is an award winning physicist, with over 10 honourary degrees and a strong interest in the laws of the universe, in particular “The Theory Of Relativity”. The Oxford born Hawking was diagnosed with motor neurone disease just after his 21st birthday. Doctors gave him a life expectancy of just 2 more years. Hawking is now 71 and uses a wheelchair and a computer program called “The Equalizer”, which is a device that is controlled by either a switch, eye, or head movement2.
The rapid declining nature of MND means that assistance must be immediate and adaptable to the patient’s needs. While there is no known cure, it may be possible to extend and improve the quality of a patient’s life, by undertaking various rehabilitation therapies. A well coordinated “multi disciplinary” team provides the best possible care for MND sufferers – e.g., physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist etc, all working together towards. The Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital has a MND clinic which provides support for those suffering with the disease. The RBWH is also continuing with research into a possible cure for motor neurone disease.3
My Rehab Team is made up of multi-disciplinary health professionals, trained in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, dietetics and podiatry. The therapists all work closely together with effective communication and support. For more information on multidisciplinary care, contact the friendly staff at Mr Rehab Team on 1300 4 MY REHAB (1300 469 734).
By Mili (edited by Jo Mak)
3 http://www.health.qld.gov.au/rbwh/services/neurology.asp
Image courtesy of rajcreationzs, at Free Digital Photo. [Online] Available at: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Human_body_g281-3d_Neuron_Cell_p82368.html (Accessed on 14th December, 2014)
