Motor neuron disease sufferers die earlier in Ireland, says expert
Those with other debilitating but survivable neurological disorders are also suffering needlessly, according to one of the country’s leading medical experts.
A new study of people with neurological illnesses shows many never receive proper treatment and those who do often get it too late.
“People with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be aided by early intervention and proper ongoing medical and therapeutical care,” said Dr Orla Hardiman, consultant neurologist at Beaumount Hospital in Dublin.
“While motor neurone disease remains fatal, there is good evidence to show early and ongoing treatment can have beneficialeffects. In particular, Riluzole, the only drug available for the disease, is only effective if prescribed early enough,” she said.
Early recognition of symptoms like swallowing and breathing trouble and weight loss could also extend life expectancy, said Dr Hardiman.
“It can be extended by up to 20% if treated early enough. If people do not have proper access to services, they die quicker. It is as simple as that.”
Dr Hardiman will outline her findings to the Oireachtas Committee on Health tomorrow. She will also urge the Government to provide funds for proper structures to better aid those with neurological disorders.
Dr Hardiman’s team conducted two studies over two years comparing access to publicly-funded services for those with MS and people with motor neurone disease.
The research shows many sufferers do not receive proper or early diagnosis of their condition. MS sufferers fare worst, with 13% never getting to see a neurologist while one in five only attended a neurologist at intervals greater than a year.
“Both conditions are treatable although motor neurone disease is still fatal,” she said. Dr Hardiman added although there was a shortage of neurologists in Ireland, it was not the only factor.
“I know at least 20 or 30 neurologists abroad who would come back here in the morning if they were asked.
“However, it’s not just about neurosurgeons. Treatment of these disorders requires a team effort,” she said.
* A public lecture on the findings will be held at the O’Reilly Hall in UCD tomorrow at 7pm.
