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Title : Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

What is ALS?

In the United States, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease, is associated with the name of a famous baseball player battling this disease and death in 1941 makes this disease of national concern.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder can not be cured. For reasons not yet understood, nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement gradually deteriorate. As a result, the muscles become useless, causing paralysis and death, usually within 2-5 years.

The only nerve cells affected are the lower motor neurons, which control various things like the movement of his extremities, swallowing, and even some aspects of breathing. However, the senses and thought processes remained normal. Pain is rare in this disease. The disease is relatively rare: about 5,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year. The disease is almost always attack after 40 years of age, and affects more men than women.

What causes ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Although the cause is unknown, but genetic factors play a role in the 5% to 10% of cases. Is believed that a small fraction of all cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ie, derived from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) which is caused by a defective gene that prevents the body to produce an enzyme called superoxide dismutase in normal amounts. This enzyme helps neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive oxygen molecules, which are produced during metabolism and is able to destroy body tissues. The researchers speculate that defects in the protective enzyme may also include non-derivative ALS and environmental toxins may also be a factor.

Some evidence suggests that the disease can be caused by exposure to heavy metals, animal skins, or fertilizers, although this has not been demonstrated. Viral infections and severe physical trauma also expected as a possible contributing factor. Another theory linking ALS with a phenomenon called excitotoxicity, in which the nerve cells that control movement are stimulated by glutamate neurotransmitter to the point where the nerve cells eventually die.

What are the symptoms of lateral sclerosis? sclerosis
in the early stages, the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease, among others:

increasing limb weakness , especially in the hands of
difficulty walking.
irregular hands.
twitches, namely slight contraction under the skin
speech disorders
difficulty swallowing

Throughout amyotrophic lateral sclerosis develops, symptoms may include :.

Weakening other extremities, possibly accompanied by spasms, muscle cramps and quick reflexes and excess
Problems with chewing, swallowing and breathing. Drooling may occur.
At the end paralysis

Contact your doctor about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis If
has one of the above symptoms. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis require professional medical attention.

How to diagnose ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to diagnose, neurologists perform an electromyogram (EMG), which is used to detect nerve damage. Additional tests can rule out other muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord tumors, or other diseases.

What treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Although there is no treatment to slow or stop the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but there are a variety of drugs and devices to help control the symptoms and make your life with this disease becomes easier .

conventional treatment for ALS
Rilutek (riluzole) is an approved drug treatment of ALS. How it works is not known with certainty, but it seems that these drugs prevent damage that can result from nerve cells that are stimulated by glutamate. Studies have shown that these drugs can improve the function and survival of patients with ALS. However, because of the potential side effects affecting the liver, which require close monitoring by your doctor.

Physical therapy can improve circulation and help extend the use of the muscles in the early stages of ALS. In addition, a variety of medications may be prescribed as the development of ALS to help cope with the symptoms.

Baclofen relieve stiffness of limbs and throat. decreased muscle and weight loss can be slowed with a nutritional supplement called branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Phenytoin may relieve cramps. Tricyclic antidepressants can help control excessive production of saliva, which is one of the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Antidepressants may also be prescribed to help depression, conditions that often accompany serious illness.

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