This article looks at motor neurone disease, the effects it can have on people’s lives and how specialist seating accessories can help alleviate the symptoms of those suffering from this disease.
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Clinical Needs of MND Patients
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a degenerative condition where neurons in the brain that control muscle movement die and cause muscle movement to deteriorate. The condition eventually becomes terminal but there are treatments that can help reduce its impact on daily life. It is sometimes known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Apart from muscle degeneration, other symptoms are slurred speech, breathing and swallowing difficulties, weak grip and weight loss.
Specialist Seating Accessories for Patients with MND
The following seating attachments are helpful for patients with MND.
Chairs with these Accessories
Rea Azalea tilt-in-space wheelchair
The Rea Azalea is an attendant-propelled wheelchair with a useful tilt-in-space function and back angle recline which is great for repositioning MND patients to help them feel as comfortable as possible. Pressure relief cushions and covers are available for extra comfort.
Accessories include: lateral backrest, manually elevating central legrest, seat tilt, backrest recline, wide arm supports, lap tray, swing away table, accessory tray, attendant control
Lento Care Chair
The Lento is one of our most popular care chairs and is incredibly versatile, with five points of seat adjustment: seat width, depth, height, back angle and arm height.
Accessories include: castor kit, backrest recline
Prospec Hospital Chair
The ProSpec is the perfect hospital chair for bedside use, rehabilitation, and portering. It can be cleaned, resized and reused to provide support and comfort for patients all around the hospital.
Accessories include: padded armrest covers, cocoon backrest
Prospec Hospital Riser Recliner Chair
The riser recliner version of the Prospec, this chair gives optimum comfort with tilt-in-space and built-in pressure relief. It’s easy to clean for good infection control, and can be fitted with large wheels and push handles for extra mobility.
Accessories include: LED light, USB charger port, laptop holder
Conclusion
MND is a progressive condition so it’s important to have seating that provides for future and present needs. Some of these future needs can be provided for with seating attachments that can be added as and when required.
For further details on our range of seating accessories and advice on specialist seating contact our team.
Brian is a university graduate with a particular interest in researching and writing about healthcare topics, including medical conditions, and current NHS issues and solutions. To ensure his articles are relevant and accurate, Brian uses UK government and private sector reports, and draws on a vast network of independent occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and healthcare professionals to both inform and verify his work.
