Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive disorder affecting the nerves of the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. The cause is unknown although a family history of ALS increases the risk. There is no known way to prevent ALS.
Instructions
Disease Process
1. ALS is rare, occurring at a rate of 1 to 3 per 100,000 people annually. It is more common in men than in women, and generally occurs in people between 50 and 70 years of age, although cases do occur in younger adults, the elderly, and children.
2. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease. The signals sent by the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain to the muscles are interrupted. As the neurons deteriorate, muscles twitch and cramp, eventually becoming weaker until they no longer function and the person becomes paralyzed. The arms, legs and throat are affected first, then other muscles. Involuntary muscle movement--such as lung, heart, and intestinal function--is unaffected.
3. People with ALS retain their senses of hearing and vision, and their intelligence does not diminish. However, they may lose their ability to express emotion, such as laughing or crying.
Prognosis
4. The disease progressively worsens. People diagnosed with ALS live an average of three to five years after diagnosis.
5. Although ALS does not affect lung function, prolonged paralysis leaves patients susceptible to pneumonia and other infections, and death is usually the result of a respiratory infection.
6. Some people, however, live with ALS for decades. An example is physicist Stephen Hawking, who was diagnosed with ALS in the 1960s.
Symptoms
7. The early signs of ALS include unusual weakness in the arms and legs, slurred speech, inability to hold objects and muscle twitching and cramping.
8. Diagnosis consists of neurological tests and a detailed history.
9. There is no specific test to confirm ALS; rather, it is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions such as muscular dystrophy.
Treatment and Prevention
10. Riluzole (Rilutek) is the only medication approved for treating ALS, but it only slows the progression. It is not a cure.
11. Treatment is focused on symptom relief, maintenance of function, and extending life. ALS is not painful, but there may be pain associated with prolonged immobility. Counseling for families and patients is recommended.
12. There are no preventive measures, largely because the cause of ALS is unknown. The only prevention is genetic counseling for families with a history of ALS.
Tags: arms legs, cause unknown, diagnosed with, spinal cord