Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is chiefly a disease of that part of our nervous system that controls movement of voluntary muscles.The term “Amyotrophic” is derived from Greek origins, meaning “lacking nourishment to muscles” and basically refers to the loss of normal nerve signals to muscles. The second word, “Lateral” means “in the side” and refers to the exact area of the damage or injury in the spinal cord. The third word, “Sclerosis” means “hardened” and implies the hardened character of the spinal cord in advanced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS.
What are the other names for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ?
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is also known by its short form, “ALS”.
- ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the USA, named after the Yankees baseball player who was afflicted and died of it in 1941.
- In Britain and in other places of the world, ALS is also called as motor neuron disease in allusion to the cells (or the motor neurons) that degenerate in this disorder.
What is the pathology behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ?
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , nerve cells that control muscle cells gradually degenerate. In most cases, the cause is not known. Slowly, the muscles they supply become weak, atrophic and nonfunctional. Sooner or later, the person with ALS may develop paralysis.However, with assistive technologies like mechanical ventilation and feeding tubes, the average life expectancy has increased after an ALS diagnosis.
How is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis passed on?
- Familial History : Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is “familial” or inherited, about 5 to 10 percent of the time. In recent times, more than 20 genes have been identified to cause ALS.Familial ALS can be inherited either in an “autosomal dominant” pattern, implying only one gene flaw (or gene mutation) from one parent is required to cause the disease or an “autosomal recessive” pattern, meaning two gene flaws (or gene mutations), one from each parent, are required for disease to manifest. People with a single gene flaw are said to be “carriers” of the disorder.
- Free radicals : These include molecules that carry electrical charges making them unstable and responsible for damage to cellular structures. They are present in normal cell life, and cells usually can neutralize the majority of them and keep them in check. But in cases of ALS, free radicals may increase to toxic levels and cause damage to cells, through a process known as “oxidative stress.”
- Glutamate : It is a widespread chemical in the nervous system, which neurons send signal each other with. However in order to work, glutamate has to be present in the right concentration. A lack of it leads to a lack of signaling and excess of it leads to the death of nerve cells. Evidence from studies of people with ALS points to an overabundance of glutamate in the nervous system
- Immune system abnormalities: Even immunity appears to play a role in ALS.
What are the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ?
- Signs in the limbs include spasticity, weakness, and progressive paralysis•
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Progressive muscular atrophy
- Weight loss, which is an indicator of a poor prognosis
- Cramps and fasciculations in the absence of muscle weakness
- Emotional lability and cognitive dysfunction
- Respiratory muscle dysfunction
It’s imperative to know that the involuntary muscles of the heart, digestive tract, bowels and bladder, and those that control sexual functions are relatively unaffected earlier in ALS. (Though, extended inability to move and other effects of ALS can have some indirect impact.) The special senses like hearing, vision and touch generally remain as normal.
What is the treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ?
Medications do have a modest effect in prolonging survival. Drugs which interfere with glutamate are used in treatment of ALS. Symptomatic drugs also can be used. These include drugs to ease cramps and muscle twitches, reduction of saliva, reduction of anxiety and depression, for treatment of constipation, to help with sleep problems and to alleviate pain associated with prolonged immobility and joint displacements.Modern technology now allows people with ALS to make up to a certain degree for nearly every loss of function, making it likely even for those with almost no muscle function to continue to breathe, communicate, eat, travel and even use computers.
How to find neurologists for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment ?
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Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
