Clinical and Demographic Patterns in Motor Neuron Disease: An Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Northeast India

Abstract

Background: Motor neuron disease (MND) encompasses a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting motor neurons. Understanding the clinical and demographic patterns of MND in specific populations is crucial for improving diagnosis and management. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and demographic characteristics of MND patients presenting to a tertiary care center in Northeast India. Methods: This observational study analyzed 40 patients diagnosed with MND at the Department of Neurology, Gauhati Medical College, and Guwahati. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, El Escorial classification, and one-year survival outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The study cohort (n=40) showed male predominance (70%) with a mean age of 58.8 years. Spinal onset was most common (50%), followed by bulbar (30%), generalized (10%), and bibrachial (10%) onset. Bulbar involvement was present in 72.5% of patients. The majority were classified as probable ALS (62.5%) by El Escorial criteria. One-year survival was 82.5%. Numerical differences were observed in survival rates across onset types, with bibrachial onset showing 100% survival and generalized onset showing 50% survival, but these did not reach statistical significance (p=0.276). A trend toward lower survival in patients with definite ALS was noted, potentially reflecting more advanced disease at presentation. Conclusions: This study reveals distinct clinical patterns of MND in Northeast India, with high prevalence of bulbar involvement and relatively favorable one-year survival rates. The heterogeneity in presentation and outcomes based on onset type highlights the importance of individualized prognostic assessment and management strategies.