What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Better Known As ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS is one of the most debilitating diseases caused by the degeneration of motor neuron. Going back to anatomy, motor neurons are brain nerve cells responsible in relaying messages to voluntary muscles. Thus, main symptoms of the condition are progressive muscle weakness and in the long run muscle atrophy develops.

Other Names of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS

To ease any confusion, below are other names associated with ALS:

• LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE

• It's the common term that is always associated with ALS. Lou Gehrig is a famous American baseball athlete who is diagnosed to have ALS who died in 1941, after 3 years of suffering the fatal symptoms of ALS at the age of 38 yrs.

• CHARCOT'S DISEASE

Although rarely heard, Jean-Martin Charcot was acknowledged being a French neurologist who initially described the condition of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS.

What is/are the causative Factors of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS?

Many researches were conducted to determine causes of ALS but the definite cause is still unknown. Several studies are associated to the excessive glutamate production, an enzyme responsible in passing impulses between motor neurons.

Other suspected causes are as follows:

• Genetics

• Neurotoxins

• Immune System Abnormalities

• Heavy metals

Who are prone to acquire Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS?

Since ALS is highly debilitating and fatal, knowing if you have the risks to acquire the disease will surely save yourself from all the sufferings. When it comes to genetic factor, studies link high incidence of ALS to males compared to females. However, this is not yet definite since ongoing studies are still conducted. Lou Gehrig is also a male patient diagnosed with ALS.

Talking about age, ALS can strike any age at random. Lou Gehrig acquires the disease at the age of 16. Generally, ALS is likely to occur at the age of 40 to 70 years old.

Fatality That the Lou Gehrig's Disease Brings: Taking a Closer Look

Lou Gehrig's disease also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis affects the motor neuron causing progressive, debilitating and fatal cluster of symptoms. Since motor neurons are involved, voluntary muscle movements are highly impaired. However, involuntary muscles responsible for controlling the heart, bladder and bowel are not affected. Brain is also spared from the serious effects of ALS. Thus, intelligence, memory, personality, judgment and senses are still intact.

What Makes Lou Gehrig's Disease/ALS Fatal?

Once ALS strikes any individual, he or she can do nothing to get rid of the condition. You may wonder why Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS is considered fatal. It's because the concrete effects of the disease are known but the cause and cure for Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS are still indefinite. There are lots of associated studies and researches but none of which can be considered exact.

What physicians do with patients is manage the symptoms and prescribe medications to delay progression of ALS. Most patients die after 3-6 years from the onset of the ailment. Generally, patients die due to respiratory failure and infections.

What are the main symptoms to watch out?

Main symptoms of Lou Gehrig's Disease and ALS include progressive muscle weakness, paralysis and atrophy.

Other manifestations include tongue atrophy, reflux of fluid through nose, nasal quality of speech, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), muscle weakness and twitching, pneumonia, foot drop and painful muscle spasms.

How do you treat and manage Lou Gehrig's disease and ALS?

The therapy and management of ALS is highly critical. Likewise, you need to take note that cure is not yet available. Pharmacological treatments include drugs such as Riluzole Rilutek, Baclofen Lioresal, Diazepam Valium, antidepressant and anticonvulsants. Riluzole is the pilot drug known to slow down the progression of ALS to fatal stage. Baclofen ease spasticity while Diazepam manage fasciculations and muscle twitchings. Most ALS patients develop mood and depression disorders thus antidepressants and mood stabilizers are at times given.

Physical therapy is highly recommended to exercise the muscles and to prevent contractures and muscle atrophy. To ensure safety, there must be a significant other to watch over the patient to prevent choking, falls and other health hazards related to ALS. Speech therapy is also offered to improve to improve tongue and facial muscles as well as the clarity of speech.