ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the muscles, brain, and nervous system. It causes muscle weakness, cramps, difficulty speaking, and swallowing. There is no cure, but early treatment can slow progression and relieve symptoms. Physical and speech therapy, medication, and counseling can help individuals cope with the disease.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that affects the muscles, brain and nervous system. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the debilitating condition can be caused by a number of different factors, including genetic predisposition, immune system malfunctions, and overproduction of glutamate in the body. Individuals with the disease often experience significant muscle cramps and weakness, as well as difficulty speaking and swallowing. If left untreated, it can cause paralysis, dementia and even death. It is vital to seek the guidance of an experienced physician when experiencing some or all of the symptoms of ALS.
An individual in the early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis often exhibits a number of noticeable symptoms. Most people experience significant muscle weakness and related symptoms of fatigue early in the disorder. As motor neurons deteriorate and muscles begin to atrophy, individuals often experience cramping and twitching in the legs and arms. Many people have difficulty speaking and swallowing due to damaged tongue and throat muscles.
As the disease progresses, people usually lose the ability to stand or sit without assistance. Many people experience complete paralysis due to extensive muscle damage. Breathing becomes very difficult and swallowing food and liquids is nearly impossible. Individuals may eventually show signs of dementia, and long-term amyotrophic lateral sclerosis usually results in death.
There is no known cure for ALS, although treating the disease in its early stages can help slow the progression and relieve some symptoms. An experienced doctor can perform a variety of tests to diagnose the condition, such as blood tests, biopsies, and MRI procedures. Once amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is confirmed as the cause of a person’s problems, the doctor can prescribe medications to help treat symptoms. Doctors commonly prescribe medications to reduce muscle cramps, fatigue, and pain. A drug known as riluzole has been shown to provide relief from glutamate-induced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
People with the disease often benefit from attending sessions with physical therapists, speech and language therapists, and psychologists. Physical therapists help people maintain muscle strength by tailoring specific exercise programs to their abilities. Speech therapists can help people learn to speak as clearly as possible despite their condition. Counselors and psychologists encourage people and help them cope with day-to-day struggles. With the help of medications and support from doctors and mental health professionals, many people with the disorder are able to adjust to challenges and enjoy life.
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