Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurological disorder that can affect the voluntary activities, which are controlled by the brain and the spinal cord. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, due to the neuronal damage, the nerve cannot function properly and also the muscular functions associated with that nerve are impaired. According to a medical survey report, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis affects 1 in 100000 people worldwide. It mainly affects the young people and the incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis after the age of 60 years is uncommon.

Causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The exact cause for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still unknown to the medical community and some of the genetic causes are considered to be inheritable causes of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 

Symptoms

• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Choking
• Paralytic attacks
• Profuse muscular weakness
• Changes in vocal cord and voice patterns
• Weight loss

Diagnosis

• Genetic diagnosis
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Nerve Conduction studies
• Swallow tests and breathing tests
• Laboratory and radiological examinations to rule out other medical problems

Treatment Options

As of now, there is no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the available medicines can delay the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or mask the symptoms. Some of the medicines prescribed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are Riluzole, amitriptyline and other anti-spasmodic drugs. Other options such as physical therapy and rehabilitation of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients can be helpful to cope with the disease symptoms. Some of the other supportive therapies such as occupational therapies are useful to swallow the food as it is impossible to take liquid diet all the time. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can cause intense weight loss and a nutrition specialist’s advice is required to take food and the recommended dietary allowance of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients is also more than the normal individuals’ to equalize the weight loss.

Prognosis

The prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is usually poor even after the proper diagnosis and treatment procedures. Most of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients will survive till 4–6 years after the diagnosis and in this period, the patient tends to lose all the abilities and body functions.

Prevention

As of now, there are no prevention procedures available and we can diagnose the asymptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by genetic diagnosis and counseling to prevent the genetic diseases in our babies.

When to see a doctor

If you experience respiratory arrest, irregularities in breathing, abnormal weight loss, ARDS-like symptoms or difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing food with muscular cramps or if you are a known amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient experiencing similar symptoms even after you took the medicines or if you feel your symptoms are worsened, you need to visit a Physician immediately.