Frequency of motor neuron diseases in a Mexico City referral center.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incidence and clinical characteristics of MND (Motor Neuron Diseases) in a Mexican institution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It was a retrospective study, of 274 definitive MND patients seen in a neurological reference hospital of Mexico City during the period of 1965-1995 (248 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 15 as Progressive Bulbar Palsy, 8 as Primary Lateral Sclerosis and 3 as Progressive Spinal Atrophy).

RESULTS

The frequency of MND increased gradually in our institution in the 31 years revised. The mean age of onset in our series was approximately 48 years in contrast to a higher age found in other series. The clinical features are similar to those found elsewhere.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that the frequency of MND is increasing in Mexico in a similar fashion to that observed in the rest of the world. This makes conceivable that the incidence of MND in Mexico may also resemble the figures reported worldwide. Prospective population studies are required to establish the incidence of MND in Mexico.