Nonmotor Symptoms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Correlation With Disease Progression

Motor neuron disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving upper and lower motor neurons. Nonmotor symptoms (NMS) are part of disease manifestation. We aim to report the prevalence and severity of NMS in patients with motor neuron disease (MND) in Lebanon. .

Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with MND at the American University of Beirut Medical Center were interviewed using the NMS Scale. The prevalence of these symptoms was assessed and correlated with disease progression.

All our patients had at least 2 NMS with an average total score of 15.8. Symptoms reported in more than half of the patients were fatigue, depression, dysphagia, lack of motivation, pain, change in weight, anxiety, constipation, and lack of pleasure. A significant correlation was found between the total NMS score and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale score (P = 0.002) and between the NMS score corresponding to mental health and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale score (P = 0.012). Patients with bulbar symptoms had a significantly higher NMS score corresponding to gastrointestinal symptoms (P < 0.0001). It is important to note that NMS such as dysphagia could be related to motor neuron involvement.

NMS are commonly reported in patients with MND and seem to positively correlate with disease progression. Treating NMS is a critical aspect of the clinical care delivered to patients with MND to maintain a good quality of life.