Treatment for Motor Neuron Disease

There is no cure or standard treatment for the MNDs.
Symptomatic and supportive treatment can help patients be more comfortable while maintaining their quality of life.
The drug riluzole (Rilutek®), which as of this date is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ALS, prolongs life by 2-3 months but does not relieve symptoms. Other medicines that may help reduce symptoms include muscle relaxants such as baclofen, tizanidine, and the benzodiazepines for spasticity; glycopyrrolate and atropine to reduce the flow of saliva; quinine or phenytoin for cramps; anticonvulsants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain; tranquilizers to help with sleeping problems; antidepressants; and botulinum toxin, amitriptyline, and other anticholinergic drugs to control drooling.
Some patients may require stronger medicines such as morphine to cope with musculoskeletal abnormalities or pain in later stages of the disorders, and opiates are used to provide comfort care in terminal stages of the disease.