What are the types of motor neuron diseases?

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What are the types of motor neuron diseases?

Healthcare providers use a system to classify types of motor neuron diseases:

  • Classical ALS, the most common type, affects more than two-thirds of people with ALS. Both the upper and lower motor neurons decline.
  • Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) affects about 25% of people with ALS. It starts with difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing caused by a breakdown of the upper and lower motor neurons to the mouth and throat. This condition will sometimes worsen to affect the rest of your body, in which case the condition is called bulbar-onset ALS.
  • Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) affects only the lower motor neurons.
  • Primary lateral sclerosis is the rarest form of ALS. Only the upper motor neurons decline.

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