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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Maladie de Charcot or motor neurone disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurological disease. A degenerative disorder affecting the motor neuron cells and the motor tracts in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide. The rate of disease progression vary from person to person. The male-to-female ratio is 1.6:1. ALS is mostly seen men than women. ALS is appear in the age between 40 to 60 years.

Causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• ALS caused by degeneration of the nerve cells in certain regions of the brain and spinal cord.
• ALS triggered by immune system abnormalities and enzyme abnormalities.
• ALS is occur due to DNA defects.
• ALS caused by Neurological disorders.
• Environmental factors such as exposure to toxic or infectious agents.
• ALS caused by loss of function in both upper and lower motor neurons.
• Genetic defect.

Symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Voluntary muscle action.
• Muscle weakness involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing.
• Limbs begin to look thinner.
• Twitching, cramping, or stiffness of muscles.
• The person unable to do routine activities, such as going up steps, getting out of a chair.
• Head drop due to weak spinal and neck muscles.
• Muscle contraction

Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• EMG can support to the diagnosis of ALS.
• Riluzole is used to reduce damage to motor neurons by decreasing the release of glutamate.
• Baclofen treats spastic muscles.
• Treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis typically focuses on efforts to relieve symptoms.
• A physical therapist can recommend low-impact exercises to maintain your muscle strength.
• Depression and anxiety are common in ALS and require individualized therapy.
• Trihexyphenidyl or amitriptyline may beused for people with problems swallowing their own saliva.