Symptom Management in MND

Guest Speakers:

Nicole Hutchinson is a Clinical Nurse Consultant (MND) at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital. She has over 13 years experience working and supporting people living with Motor Neurone Disease. During this presentation Nicole will cover the key symptoms of MND and provide critical advice on how best to manage the progression of the disease.

Dr Anna Farrell is Speech Pathology Team Leader (Neuro-rehabilitation) and Principal Research Fellow, Allied Health at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service. Anna has extensive clinical experience in Australia and the UK in the area of acquired communication and swallowing impairments. Anna is a member of the MND clinic at RBWH and is committed to improving the quality of life in individuals with MND.

Symptoms covered will include:
• Mood/Emotional Lability – easy laughing/crying
• Speech issues – communication
• Swallow issues – nutrition/alternate feeding to (eg PEG/RIG)
• Saliva issues – multiple management strategies
• Breathing issues – non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and medication management
• Upper limb function – fine motor function – ADL & home assessments; shoulder joint care
• Lower limb function – mobility/balance/safety/aides
• Pain / Cramps / Stiffness