Preclinical and subclinical events in motor neuron disease. Issue 2 (February 1988)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swash, M; Ingram, D
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 51:Issue 2(1988)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 1988-02
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.51.2.165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : It is suggested that in motor neuron disease there is a long preclinical period of relative tolerance and compensation before presentation with apparently focal features. During this phase the disease becomes disseminated through the motor system. The mode of acquisition of the disease, its relation to a possible genetic factor, and the processes leading to tolerance, to latency or progression, to the relative involvement of upper and lower motor neurons, to involvement of spinocerebellar pathways, and to asymmetry are fundamental problems in understanding the disease.