What causes motor neuron diseases?
The causes of sporadic, or
noninherited, MNDs are not known, but environmental, toxic, viral, or
genetic factors may be implicated.
Sporadic
cases may be triggered by exposure to radiation therapy, lightning
strike or other electrical injury, cancers, or prolonged exposure to
toxic drugs or environmental toxins.
Scientists
are investigating whether the body's autoimmune reaction to viruses
such as the human immunodeficiency virus can trigger Motor Neuron
Diseases MNDs. See research.
Who is at risk for Motor Neuron Disease?
MNDs occur in adults and children.
The diseases are more common in men than in women.
In adults, symptoms may appear after age 40.
In children, particularly in inherited or familial
forms of the disease, symptoms can be present at birth or appear before
the child learns to walk.
