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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Vim - Interview 32 >> He couldn't take in how serious the diagnosis was. He had to ring the doctor to ask what he'd been told. He cried for six months, but then began feeli

Vim was diagnosed just over a year ago in 2006 with bulbar onset MND. His speech is affected but he can still talk, and he can still walk independently. He has retired early.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Michael - Interview 29 >> He knew it would be bad news when they asked his wife to be present. He felt his world had collapsed and there was no hope.

Michael was diagnosed less than a year ago in 2006 after noticing weakness in his right arm. His arm weakness remains his main symptom, and it has got worse. Currently he is on sick leave from work.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Kim - Interview 10 >> She suspected it was MND and wanted the doctor to tell her straight. For a few days she couldn't bear to be alone.

Kim was diagnosed with MND (ALS) about a year ago (2005). Now unable to walk she needs help with most daily tasks, but is still working as an occupational therapist and able to drive. Her speech is not affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Sandy - Interview 36 >> The consultant neurologist told him to go home and put his affairs in order. It seemed blunt but he prefers a direct approach.

Sandy was diagnosed 5 years ago (2002) after noticing weakness in one arm. His arms have been worst affected, and now his speech and neck muscles are deteriorating, but he can still walk well.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Michael - Interview 29 >> There is no nice way to tell people they have MND - it will always be 'a hammer blow', however sensitively it is done.

Michael was diagnosed less than a year ago in 2006 after noticing weakness in his right arm. His arm weakness remains his main symptom, and it has got worse. Currently he is on sick leave from work.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Jim - Interview 18 >> He was told he might live 3 years. His wife was across the room from him and was crying with shock. But at the next appointment they were told it was

Jim was diagnosed 2 years ago (2005) with Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) form of MND. His legs and arms are affected but not speech.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Ann - Interview 24 >> She wishes her daughter had not been invited to come with her, as the diagnosis was a great shock for her. Professionals need to tailor what they say

Ann was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND within the last 6 months (in 2006), after speech and swallowing difficulties. She is about to have a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Judith - Interview 12 >> She was prepared for the diagnosis and the professor was kind and reassuring. She told her every patient is different and not to worry about all the d

Judith was diagnosed with Progressive Muscular Atrophy form of MND two years ago, after consulting two neurologists. Now she uses a wheelchair and mobility scooter.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Phil - Interview 28 >> There was a delay between the diagnosis and seeing an MND specialist. All he could think about was being terminally ill. The specialist helped him loo

Phil was diagnosed just over a year ago, after nearly 2 years of leg weakness. He is still able to walk at home but uses a wheelchair and scooter outdoors. He has some weakness in his right arm.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Bev - Interview 47 >> Being present at her mother's diagnosis was devastating. For the next week she felt as if they were on a desert island. She couldn't face the world.

Bev's mother died about a year after developing speech and swallowing difficulties and being diagnosed with bulbar onset MND, aged 72. Her family were unhappy with many aspects of the care received.