Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Incidence and prevalence
- ratio is 1:7 (more males than females)
signs and symptoms of ALS
- toe drop - hand weakness - progressive motor deterioration -distal to proximal - affects the ability to eat, breathe and swallow - difficulty controlling emotions and regulating temperature -significant cognitive deficits
What is ALS?
ALS is the progressive neurological disease effecting motor neurons in the brain/spinal cord. Those that produce motor control are mostly effected.
ALS Etiology
Unknown cause, however, appears to be genetic patterns of susceptibility, viral, retroviral, and environmental causes • Two Types: 1. Familial ALS - genetic association 2. Sporadic ALS: a. Occupational exposure b. Diet high in fat & glutamate c. Behaviors: Smoking & ETOH use
symptoms in the MIDDLE stages of ALS
more severe muscle weakness paralysis in some muscles difficulty swallowing difficulty eating/chewing breathing issues bouts of uncontrollable laughter (pseudobulbar effect)
symptoms in the EARLY stages of ALS
muscle weakness muscle twitching muscle cramping fatigue poor balance slurred speech
Symptoms of LATE stages of ALS
paralysis of most muscles extremely limited mobility inability to speak inability to breathe without assistance inability to eat without assistance inability to drink without assistance
