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Does Alge Cause Motor Neurone Disease?

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Posted on Thu, 15 May 2014
Question: My husband has been diagnosed with MND
It developed after surgery for a ruptured Achilles' tendon so was not noticed by physicians
All weakness on lhs of his body to star including swelling and loss of use of left hand and forearm almost overnight
This was diagnosed as arthritis but did not respond to steroids
There has been progressive weakness over the last 18 months and he now can't talk properly and has difficulty swallowing has very little breath
He was electrician and builder and was associated with repair work on flooded houses in brisbane approx 12 months before onset of symptoms
I wonder if the link between blue green algae has a place here as all houses had to be sanitised before work but he was there before sanitation as he would inspect and do quotes on more than 20 houses?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No robust evidence linking between algae and MND..

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Though toxins and chemicals such as insecticides and pesticides are linked with Motor neurone Disease, the role of blue green algae is not clear. Yes, few research has linked toxins from blue green algae, but the studies are not very conclusive enough. Since these studies are not robust, I would not link his MND condition to 20 odd house visits.

I understand you wish to understand what caused this disease; but most often the cause is unknown.

Hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3707 Questions

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Does Alge Cause Motor Neurone Disease?

Brief Answer: No robust evidence linking between algae and MND.. Detailed Answer: Hi, Though toxins and chemicals such as insecticides and pesticides are linked with Motor neurone Disease, the role of blue green algae is not clear. Yes, few research has linked toxins from blue green algae, but the studies are not very conclusive enough. Since these studies are not robust, I would not link his MND condition to 20 odd house visits. I understand you wish to understand what caused this disease; but most often the cause is unknown. Hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards