Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of Compound Muscle Action Potential from the Forelimbs in Mouse Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration
06:35

In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of Compound Muscle Action Potential from the Forelimbs in Mouse Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration

Published on: June 15, 2018

Clinical and epidemiological features of motor neuron disease in south-western Greece

A A Argyriou1, P Polychronopoulos, S Papapetropoulos

  • 1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece. andargyriou@yahoo.gr

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|January 13, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study on motor neuron disease (MND) in Greece found an annual incidence of 1.13/100,000, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) being the most common form. No links to socioeconomic factors or occupational exposure were identified.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of MND is crucial for public health planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in a defined region of Greece.
  • To provide data on MND incidence, patient demographics, and disease subtypes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records of adult-onset MND patients.
  • Data collected from the University Hospital of Patras between 1990 and 2003.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, disease type, age at onset, and survival rates.

Main Results:

  • 133 patients diagnosed with MND over the study period.
  • Mean annual incidence rate of 1.13 per 100,000 population.
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) was the predominant subtype (83.5%), followed by PSMA (14.3%) and PBP (2.2%).
  • Male predominance observed, with a mean age at onset of 60.3 years.
  • Lower limb onset was most frequent (57.2%).
  • Mean survival varied by subtype: ALS (20.4 months), PBP (15.3 months), PSMA (38.1 months).

Conclusions:

  • MND incidence and epidemiological parameters align with other international studies.
  • ALS is the most common form of MND in this Greek population.
  • No significant associations found between MND and socioeconomic factors or occupational exposures.

More Related Videos

Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis08:16

Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Published on: March 4, 2014

Dissection of the Transversus Abdominis Muscle for Whole-mount Neuromuscular Junction Analysis06:12

Dissection of the Transversus Abdominis Muscle for Whole-mount Neuromuscular Junction Analysis

Published on: January 11, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...