Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

What is ALS ?

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a rapidly progressive, invariable fatal neurological disease that attacks the neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscles leaving the mental status intact. ALS results in degeneration of upper motor neurons in the medulla oblongata and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.

What is the only med proven to slow down progression of ALS?

Riluzole but some Side effects include duzziness, gastrointestinal conditions and liver function changes.

What medication can help wit spasticity ?

Spasticity can be treated with baclofen (Lioresal)

What causes ALS?

The cause may be related to an excess of glutamate which is responsible for relaying messages between the motor neurons. Neuronal degeneration may occur in both the upper and lower motor neuron systems

What are some signs and symptomes you will see ?

The chief symptoms are fatigue, progressive muscle weakness, cramps, fasciculations (twitching) and incoordination especially in the muscles of the arms, hands, legs or swallowing muscles. Progressive weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the arms, trunk, or legs occurs. Spasticity is seen. Bladder and bowel function remain intact.

How is ALS diagnosed?

there are not any labs or test that can diagnose , but you need to rule out other diagnosis , A lumbar puncture will show increase in protein in 1/3 of patients