ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Symptoms-Causes-Treatment
What are the causes?
In about 10% of cases, ALS is caused by a genetic defect. In other cases, the cause is unknown.
What are the treatments?
There is no known cure for ALS. There are drug treatments that may prolong life, but does not reverse or stop the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, wheelchairs, use of braces, or other orthopedic measures may be needed to maximize muscle function and general health.
- What is ALS?
ALS is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. It is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In ALS, nerve cells (neurons) waste away or die and can no longer send messages to the muscles. This eventually leads to muscle weakening, an inability to move the arms, legs, and body, and twitching. The condition slowly gets worse. When the muscles in the chest area stop working, it becomes very hard or virtually impossible to breathe on one's own. ALS affects approximately 1 out of every 100,000 people.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms occur usually after age 50.
Symptoms may include: - Difficulty with breathing
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle weakness that slowly gets worse (Commonly involves one part of the body first, such as the arm or hand- Eventually leads to difficulty climbing stairs, walking and lifting)
- Paralysis
- Difficulty swallowing (Gagging or Chokes easily)
- Speech problems, such as an abnormal or slow speech pattern
- Hoarseness and voice changes
- Head drop- generally due to weak spinal and neck muscles
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling of the ankles, legs, and feet
- Weight loss
- Contraction of muscles
- Drooling
What are the causes?
In about 10% of cases, ALS is caused by a genetic defect. In other cases, the cause is unknown.
What are the treatments?
There is no known cure for ALS. There are drug treatments that may prolong life, but does not reverse or stop the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, wheelchairs, use of braces, or other orthopedic measures may be needed to maximize muscle function and general health.