Ataxia?

[Tinkerpuss]

My sister-in-law (54) is worrying the family, as over the past few months, her speech has become noticeably slower and slightly slurred. She has always been t-total but sounds slightly drunk and the letter 's' is unclear, as if she has badly fitted false teeth (not the case).

She refuses point blank to go to the doctor and we believe the reason for this is that her mother died at around the same age from motor neurone disease. I have scoured web sites and believe this is some form of ataxia but I have now noticed that when she is walking, her arms seem to be 'dangling', rather than moving with her stride.

I hate to be pessimistic but something is far wrong. There are no signs of mental impairment. I know we can do nothing unless she seeks medical help and although I cannot find evidence that motor neurone disease is hereditary, are we right to be very worried?

[sara3]

hi Tinker. I'm no medical expert, but I do think you're right to be concerned.. but there are other possibilities besides MND.

to be honest, if it is MND there's not much can be done about it and you will probably see significant changes before too long. can someone have a word with her GP?

[Tinkerpuss]

Thanks Sara. My brother is the person who should speak to her GP but he has not seen the change as much as the rest of us. I think this is due to living with her and possibly getting used to subtle changes over a period of time. I only see her every few weeks and my nephew, who lives in anther part of the country was shocked last week when he saw his mum after a few months.

[marie26]

Your brother and nephew should really encourage her to see her GP. There are any number of causes of her symptoms, but she must see her GP. Maybe you could accompany her if your relationship is good?

[Tinkerpuss]

She is very stubborn and refuses to accept there is anything wrong. I don't think I am really looking for an answer here, just sharing my worry.
Sadly, my brother is not the sensitive type and ignores family problems.

[Prudie]

I can't offer any advice but reading this I just feel that if you SIL realises something is wrong the poor woman must be terrified with that family history. Good luck to you all, hope it turns out OK.

[Tinkerpuss]

Thanks Prudie, I am sure she knows there is something wrong but is really scared as there is no cure for MND :(

[wolf63]

The sad thing is that it could be something that is either treatable or controllable with medication.

Regardless of the actually diagnosis her mind will be conjuring up all the worse case scenarios. Some times it is actually a relief to have a diagnosis even if it is something nasty.

Best wishes to all of you.

[Sqad]

Many neurological disorders can cause these symptoms as posters have already said, but the diagnosis that stands out a mile is a form of Motor Neurone Disease.

[woofgang]

Well what you can do if she won't see the doc is spend as much time with her doing fun things as you can and encourage your bro (who may be noticing more than you think) to do the same.

[rowanwitch]

Write to the GP expressing your worries....explain about your brother not noticing etc..Had to do this when my mum had a problem she was either ignoring or unaware of...Next time she had to go to GP for something minor the alert was on screen to check out the other problem...

[Tinkerpuss]

Thanks to everyone who replied. We just have to tryand get my SIL to see a doctor somehow.