About this topic
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also called ALS. It is an illness that affects your ability to move. Messages travel along nerve cells. They go from your brain to your muscles and tell them to move. The nerve cells slowly waste away and die. Your brain cannot send signals to the muscles. Then, your muscles start to weaken, and eventually stop moving. ‚
Signs start in your hands, feet, arms, or legs. Then, they spread to other parts of your body. Treatment may help ease signs of ALS. Your doctor may give you drugs, exercises, and speech therapy. You may need to have a feeding tube to give you good nutrition. You may also need to have a breathing machine eventually. ‚
What are the causes?
- Nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord waste away and die.
- Most of the time, a cause is not found. Sometimes, a gene defect is the cause.
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have ALS if you have a family member with it. It often starts after age 50. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Weakness ¢ ˆ ’ This most often starts in the arms and legs. Then, it spreads to other muscles. Even breathing muscles can be affected. Neck muscles may become weak and the head may drop. This may lead to total paralysis.
- Less coordination ¢ ˆ ’ You may have problems when you walk or try to hold something in your hands.
- Muscle weakness in the face and neck ¢ ˆ ’ You may have problems swallowing. You may drool or choke easily. You may gag. Some people have problems talking or have a change in their voice.
- Trouble breathing
- Muscles may cramp or twitch
- Weight loss ¢ ˆ ’ As you move your muscles less, they become smaller.
- Increased reflexes at joints
- Trouble controlling emotions
ALS does not affect eyesight, smell, hearing, or touch. It also does not often affect a persons thinking or bladder and bowel function. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor will check for weakness in your muscles. Your doctor will also check your breathing and reflexes. The doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- Breathing tests
- Swallowing tests
- CT or MRI scan
- Electromyelography (EMG)
- Nerve conduction study
- Spinal tap
- Genetic testing with family members
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your care will be based on your signs. You may need more help as you get weaker. The doctor may order: ‚
- Physical therapy to help you get around easier. You may also need braces, a walker, or a wheelchair.
- Occupational therapy to help teach you how to do everyday activities like dressing, bathing, and feeding.
- Speech therapy to help with swallowing problems and ways to communicate.
- Breathing support such as oxygen and ventilators
- Feeding help. This may include a feeding tube. You may also meet with a dietician to help you learn to keep up your weight.
Talk with your family about plans for your care in the future when your condition gets worse. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
There will be many problems that happen as the disease gets worse. These include paralysis, breathing, eating, and communication problems. Other problems such as pneumonia and pressure sores may happen and need treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Slow the course of the disease
- Lower muscle spasms
- Help with pain
- Help dry your mouth
- Help with low mood
Will there be any other care needed?
You will eventually need total care. Plan ahead and let your family know what your wishes are. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing that can be done to prevent this problem. You may be able to find out your risk for having a child with ALS if you have a family history of the disease. ‚
Where can I learn more?
ALS Association ‚
http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html ‚
ALS MDA ‚
http://www.mda.org/publications/PDFs/ALSCaregiversGuide_Web_April2011_Chpt2.pdf ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/57/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚