Motor-neuron-diseases-Case-Mr. Zhu

Case：Mr. Zhu from China

Nationality：

China

Age：

47 years old

Diagnosis：

Motor neuron diseases

Admission Date：

Dec 2008

Background

Mr. Zhu, a 47 - year - old man from China, has been grappling with a life-altering condition: motor neuron disease, specifically progressive bulbar palsy. His journey into the throes of this illness began in January 2004, in the most insidious way. Without any apparent cause, his speech started to become slurred, as if his words were being muddled by an invisible force. Each attempt to communicate became a struggle, with his thoughts trapped behind a veil of unclear enunciation.

Simultaneously, his voice grew hoarse, a rasping whisper replacing his once-normal vocal tone. These symptoms, initially subtle, gradually worsened over time. It wasn't until October 2005, after months of medical consultations, tests, and a tortuous wait for answers, that he finally received the definitive diagnosis of MND (PBP). This diagnosis not only brought clarity to his mysterious symptoms but also marked the start of a challenging battle against a disease that would test his physical and emotional resilience.

Pre-Treatment Condition（Before Stem Cell Treatment）

1. Speech Impairment
- Severe slurring, slow articulation due to weakened vocal muscles.
- Struggles with speech clarity, hindering communication.
2. Emotional Lability
- Uncontrollable laughter/crying episodes triggered by reading.
- Social embarrassment and frustration from emotional surges.
3. Chewing Difficulties
- Reduced jaw strength; inability to bite hard foods.
- Compromised diet diversity and loss of eating enjoyment.
4. Muscle Weakness & Atrophy
- Upper limb weakness, pronounced hand muscle atrophy.
- Impaired grip strength, inability to perform basic tasks.

Treatment Plan

One course of stem cell therapy
Surgical method: Lumbar puncture
Efficacy monitoring plan over 6 to 12 months post-treatment

Symptom	Improvement
Severe slurring, slow articulation; weak voice.	Clearer speech, louder volume, longer stamina.
Uncontrollable laughter/crying during reading.	Stable emotions; no involuntary outbursts.
Weak jaw strength; limited to soft foods.	Stronger bite (e.g., biscuits); diverse diet.
Upper limb immobility; hand muscle wasting.	Effortless arm lifting; improved hand function.

Progress Summary & Future Outlook

After discharge, Mr. Zhu's medical condition continues to improve steadily. Each day brings new signs of progress, whether it's a further enhancement in his speech clarity, an increase in his physical strength, or a reduction in the remaining symptoms of his motor neuron disease. This continuous improvement gives him and his family hope for a brighter future.