A Case-Study Survey of an Eight-year Cluster of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Referrals in a Rural English Village: Exploring Possible Aetiological Influences in a Hypothesis Stimulating Study

Abstract

Objective: To test whether the Village incidence of new cases of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) over an 8-year period, is significantly different from those in the County to serve as a pilot study to identify possible interactive multienvironmental aetiology. Design: Between September 2003-June 2011, Village MND cases were compared with the County’s in people aged >54 years. The incidence of MND was determined and Odds ratios calculated. The Village MND mortality rates were juxtaposed against England & Wales MND deaths over the period. Setting: A rural Village flanked by Electro-Magnetic-Fields (EMF) close to an active airfield. The Village population has remained relatively stable, plane-take off from the airfield is at a low angle for 3-4 miles, with radar TACAN beams pulsed every 4 seconds. Participants: General population (>54 yrs) in Village and County. Main outcome measures: Cases and deaths of MND. Results: Of the County’s 236 MND cases, 11came from the Village, equal to 1 MND case per 410 people, County rate was 1: 1,844, yielding an Odds ratio of 4.5:1. Village MND deaths compared to England & Wales gave an Odds ratio of 2.3: 1; England & Wales MND deaths were double the County’s. Conclusion: The disproportionate incidence of Village MND, with its relatively intensive exposure to EMF and petrochemicals, leads us to a speculative hypothesis of possible multi-interactive environmental influences. Despite limitations inherent in cluster studies, these indicative results suggest that a more detailed national study of geographic, occupational, life-style and family background is merited and feasible.