Motor neuron diseases

Abstract In patients with motor neuron diseases (MND), conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently non-informative and yet its use is restricted to exclude other mimic conditions. Conversely, the extensive application of modern structural MR-based techniques to the study of MND has undoubtedly improved our understanding of disease pathophysiology. These techniques are likely to have a role in the identification of potential biomarkers of disease progression. Furthermore, the use of functional neuroimaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography and functional MRI, have provided a more complete picture of the extramotor involvement in these conditions, and are disclosing how functional changes interact with structural damage to determine the clinical outcome.