Motor Neurone Disease: What We Know

By Hanan Dervisevic

Topic: Motor Neurone disease

Thu 21 May 2026 at 2:41pm

Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow has motor neurone disease.

Many rugby players have motor neurone disease in Australia.

Carl Webb died of motor neurone disease at 42.

Rob Burrow died in 2024 from motor neurone disease.

Jai Arrow has motor neurone disease and will stop playing rugby.

Motor neurone disease is called the 'beast' by Neale Daniher.

What is motor neurone disease?

Motor neurone disease affects nerve and brain cells that control movement.

Motor neurons carry messages from the brain to muscles.

Motor neurons are important for walking, swallowing, and breathing.

Motor neurone disease damages motor neurons.

Jai Arrow will stop playing rugby due to motor neurone disease.

ALS is a type of motor neurone disease.

Motor neurone disease affects many parts of the body.

Upper motor neurons control movement when they are damaged.

Lower motor neurons connect directly to muscles.

Dr Steyn says the first symptoms depend on where the disease starts.

Upper motor neurons can cause stiffness and poor coordination.

Lower motor neurons can cause weakness and muscle wasting.

Other bodily functions can be affected by motor neurone disease.

Research shows motor neurone disease can affect other parts of the brain.

Motor neurone disease can affect cognition and behavior.

Motor neurone disease is hard to diagnose and treat.

Stephen Hawking and Lou Gehrig died from motor neurone disease.

The cause of motor neurone disease is unknown.

Researchers do not fully understand how motor neurone disease starts.

Dr Steyn says the cause is complex and involves many factors.

Genetic and environmental factors can contribute to motor neurone disease.

Jai Arrow is ready to fight motor neurone disease.

Sporadic motor neurone disease is the most common type.

Environmental factors like chemicals can trigger motor neurone disease.

Living in rural areas can increase the risk of motor neurone disease.

Chemicals can kill motor neurons.

Genetics play a role in some cases of motor neurone disease.

Two people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease every day in Australia.

About 2,500 Australians have motor neurone disease.

Early signs of motor neurone disease can be subtle.

Carl Webb struggled with simple tasks before his diagnosis.

He had trouble buttoning his shirt and holding a plate.

He thought it might be a back injury at first.

He realized it was more serious when he lost strength.

Carl Webb passed away in December 2023.

Rob Burrow described being a 'prisoner in his own body'.

Head injuries may be a risk factor for motor neurone disease.

Some studies link head injuries to motor neurone disease.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is cautious about this link.

Dr Steyn agrees that the link is not fully understood.

Head injuries can increase the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.

The relationship between head injuries and motor neurone disease is uncertain.

What lies ahead for Jai Arrow?

There is no cure for motor neurone disease.

Life expectancy after diagnosis is one to five years.

Some people live with motor neurone disease for 10 years or more.

The prognosis depends on many factors.

Treatments can help improve quality of life.

Jai Arrow wants to fight motor neurone disease.

He will do everything he can to stay healthy.

Dr Steyn says Jai Arrow has a strong support system.

The motor neurone disease community is supportive.

Dr Rowe says the impact of motor neurone disease on families is significant.

NRL fans want a special round to raise awareness.

Jai Arrow's speech is already affected by motor neurone disease.

Fans want to raise money for research.

The AFL has an MND round.

Neale Daniher is behind the AFL's MND Day.

Thu 21 May 2026 at 2:41pm

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