Clinically reviewed by: Dr Andrea Malaspina
Consultant neurologist, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Last reviewed May 2026
Motor neurone disease (MND), and the most common form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - known as ALS, is a progressively worsening condition that affects the motor cells and nerves that control movement.
Over time, it can lead to:
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Weakness in the arms or legs
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Difficulty walking or using the hands
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Slurred and slow speech
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Problems with swallowing and accumulation of secretions
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Breathing difficulties leading to respiratory failure.
A significant percentage of patients with ALS also experience changes in thinking, behaviour, or language.
MND affects everyone differently. Symptoms and progression vary widely between individuals, with some people experiencing rapid progression and others developing symptoms more slowly over many years.
In many cases, people are seen by multiple specialists before reaching a neurologist with specific expertise in MND, which can delay both diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
At The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), we have specialists in all neurological conditions, including highly specialist MND consultants who are available to help to provide prompt assessment, specialist advice, and guidance to support a diagnosis and beyond.
Specialist assessment of MND symptoms
Our private service is consultant-led with a focus on expert assessment, whether you are looking for an initial assessment, a second opinion or an ongoing review of your condition.
MND can be difficult to recognise in the early stages. Symptoms may develop gradually and can overlap with symptoms observed in other conditions, but early warning signs can include:
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Weakness in one hand or foot
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Tripping or dragging a foot when walking
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Difficulty doing everyday tasks, such as turning a key
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Changes in speech or swallowing
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Shortness of breath related to exertion.
Seeing an expert early can help reduce uncertainty and delays in your diagnosis.
If you already have an MND diagnosis, then our specialists are also able to thoroughly reassess your symptoms as often as needed to ensure that you retain the best possible quality of life.
Advanced diagnostic expertise in MND
At the NHNN, private patients can benefit from fast access to specialist neurological assessment and key tests, including:
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Consultant appointments with MND specialists
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Nerve muscle tests (EMG)
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Scans and blood tests needed to support diagnosis
This integrated approach to diagnosis helps to confirm or rule out MND more quickly, allowing our patients and families to understand what is happening, decide on the most appropriate treatment options to maintain quality of life, and plan ahead accordingly.
Early support and specialist input
If MND is diagnosed early, we can provide early-stage support, tailored to your unique situation.
Depending on your individual needs, this may include:
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Ongoing neurological review
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Assessment and input from a respiratory consultant (e.g. lung function testing)
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Specialist speech and language therapy, including voice banking
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Specialist physiotherapy for patients with neurological conditions
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Occupational therapy offered by expert neurotherapists
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Advice around swallowing and nutrition
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Psychological support
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Cognitive assessment if needed.
This early input can help you understand what support may be helpful now and what may be needed later to retain quality of life for as long as possible.
People living with motor neurone disease can experience weakness of the respiratory muscles as part of their condition, sometimes before breathing symptoms become obvious.
Our lung function service plays a key role in identifying and monitoring this early. We provide detailed baseline assessments to understand whether and how your respiratory muscles are affected, using specialist physiological tests designed specifically for neuromuscular conditions. This helps us to build a clear picture of your respiratory health and anticipate any support you might need in the future.
Ongoing review is an important part of care in MND. We assess both your daytime and nighttime breathing, including targeted testing for nocturnal hypoventilation (where a reduced amount of air enters the lungs, resulting in low blood levels of oxygen), which can be an early sign of respiratory problems. Where appropriate, we can offer more frequent reviews and further testing, helping to detect changes sooner and support timely clinical decisions. Working with you proactively, we can look to maintain your comfort, function, and quality of life for as long as possible.
The lung function service works closely with neurologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team to make sure your care is fully coordinated. You will be supported by clinicians with extensive expertise in respiratory muscle weakness and neuromuscular disease and have seamless access to other specialist services when needed.
Long-term care options
MND requires ongoing care from a large specialist team over time. If you choose, our private team can remain involved in your care for as long as you wish. Treatment plans will be adapted as your condition progresses to make sure that your quality of life remains as good as possible for as long as possible.
A research‑centred hospital
Our team at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery works closely with University College London (UCL) on MND research, including clinical trials and studies looking at molecular mechanisms behind the onset and progression of the disease, biomarkers of disease progression and identification of therapeutic targets and new treatment options.
Our patients benefit from being seen by specialists who are actively involved in the latest research and treatment developments, meaning that we can be reactive to the latest opportunities if they would benefit your quality of life.
Contact us
To ask about private motor neurone disease appointments or referrals call 020 3448 4260, email uclh.
