Motor neurone disease
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Service detail
What is MND?
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of strength in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.
The Walton Centre MND Service
The motor neurone disease service, led by Dr Sivakumar Sathasivam, provides advice and support to people diagnosed with MND, their families and the professionals assisting them.
Clinics
There are specialist clinics providing services for people:
- Who are newly diagnosed with MND
- Who have a confirmed diagnosis and want to attend a specialist MND clinic, rather than use the excellent local general neurology clinics offered by consultants from The Walton Centre
- Who need assessment and investigation for possible MND
Newly diagnosed, multidisciplinary clinic
We hold a weekly newly diagnosed multidisciplinary motor neurone disease clinic at The Walton Centre. If you attend this clinic, you will have several consultations to meet a team of professionals, as these clinics are designed to provide a one-stop service for people who are recently diagnosed with MND. You may also meet a representative from the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and be given written information and advice.
MND clinic
For those people who wish to attend a specialised clinic (as an alternative to being cared for in their local general clinic), we offer MND clinics run by Dr Sathasivam and the MND nurse specialist. In this clinic we monitor weight, breathing capacity and disability. The ongoing clinic visits also provide people with the opportunity to take part in research. In addition, some people are referred to these MND clinics for diagnostic tests and second opinions.
Helpline
The MND nurse helpline (0151 556 4008) gives access to specialist nurse advice and support. This is available for people with MND, their relatives, and professionals. If you call the advice line, you will be told when the nurse specialists will call you back.
Research register
The Walton Centre is an internationally recognised centre for MND research, and staff are very committed to furthering knowledge of this condition. If you express an interest to be considered for research we will document this in your case notes and on a designated research interest database.
MND Team
- Neurologist: Dr Sivakumar Sathasivam
- MND nurse specialists: Karen Twist and Angela Harris (0151 556 4008)
- Occupational therapist: Rebecca Flesher
- Speech and language therapist: Mel Taylor
- Physiotherapist: Nicola White and Thomas Green
Patient leaflets
Motor Neurone Disease - Multidisciplinary Clinic
A multidisciplinary clinic involves a group of healthcare professionals, known as the multidisciplinary team.
Motor Neurone Disease - Nurse Specialist Service
The nurse service is available for anyone who has a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and is under the care of The Walton Centre.
Motor Neurone Disease - Palliative Care
Palliative care aims to achieve the best quality of life for patients with a terminal condition and also support the patient’s family and friends. It is provided by a coordinated team of health care professionals.
Motor Neurone Disease - Voice Banking
Voice banking is a process that allows a person to record a set list of phrases with their own voice. This recording is then used to create a personal synthetic voice.
Motor neurone disease Consultants
Dr Sivakumar Sathasivam
Dr Sivakumar Sathasivam is a Consultant Neurologist at The Walton Centre. He leads the MND service and specialises in neuromuscular disorders in particular myasthenia gravis.
Page last updated: 22 June 2021
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