Neurosciences
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) Could Help Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Patients
By IANS
Jan 24, 2006, 14:11

A simple ventilator and face mask could improve the quality of life of patients suffering from a fatal nerve disease, researchers say.

Patients suffering from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) could benefit from the new technique called non-invasive ventilation (NIV). It works by helping people with MND who suffer from weakness of the respiratory muscles, the online edition of BBC News reported.

At present just one drug is licensed to treat MND, an incurable disease of the nervous system. But this drug only extends patients' life by two to three months.

A team of researchers of the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Britain, found that the ventilator can help patients maintain adequate blood oxygen levels and clear their lungs of carbon dioxide build-up. This would allow them get a restful night's sleep and significantly boost the quality of their lives.

Life expectancy was also boosted, in some cases by years, it reported.

MND is fatal within 14 months of diagnosis in 50 percent of cases. There are currently 5,000 people living with MND in Britain. The condition often leaves people unable to walk, talk, or even feed themselves, but their intellect and senses usually remain unaffected.

Average life expectancy from onset of symptoms is just two to five years.

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