What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease that affects the functioning of motor neurons. As it is one of the most devastating disorders, it causes extreme degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spine. While the disease doesn’t directly affect sensory functions, it remains a disease without a cure today.
Types of ALS:
There are two types of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Sporadic ALS diagnoses are unsupported by familial or hereditary genetics, while Familial ALS displays cases where patients inherited the disease from ancestors.
Symptoms:
- Unmanageable fits of laughter and crying
- Trouble breathing and swallowing
- Slurring speech and difficulties in projecting voice
- Loss of control over motor nerves in arms and legs
- Unending fatigue
How is it diagnosed?
There are several methods used to diagnose ALS. Doctors can order lab testing for urine, blood, and thyroid function if they suspect the presence of ALS. Nerve biopsies and analyses of cerebral spinal fluid can also indicate ALS detection. X-rays and MRIs are also commonly used methods to diagnose ALS in patients.
How is ALS treated?
As ALS is a chronic disease with no cure, managing symptoms is all one can do. Whirlpool and heat therapy can alleviate muscle cramps and pain in patients. Other common forms of treatment such as physical, speech, or respiratory therapy can also be administered to improve a patient’s condition. FDA approved remedy Riluzole is also known to improve the life expectancy of patients diagnosed with ALS.
