What is ALS?
(10.) ALS also known as Lou Gehrig disease is a progressive condition that destroys motor neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems leading to the atrophy of voluntary muscles, the cells most at risk are the large motor neurons in the lateral aspects of the spinal cord. they are replaced by fibrous astrocytes, which make the spinal cord hard and scar like. Amyotrophic refers to muscle atrophy, lateral refers to parts of the spinal cord that are affected, and sclerosis refers to the hardening of the spinal cord tissue.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
(10.) symptoms of ALS are sometimes classified by whether the disease affects spinal nerves, and whether the symptoms demonstrate damage to upper motor neurons or lower motor neurons. About seventy-five percent of ALS cases are diagnosed as the spinal variations, with early symptoms in the arms or legs. Difficulty with fine motor skills in the hands (writing or buttoning a shirt) maybe the first sign of a problem. when early symptoms occur in the legs, frequent tripping or stumbling may be the first indication of the disease. both the left and right side may be affected but one side is typically worse then the other. Fatigue, cramping, stiffness and weakness move proximally up the limb and eventually affect the voluntary trunk muscles that control breathing.
(10.) ALS also known as Lou Gehrig disease is a progressive condition that destroys motor neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems leading to the atrophy of voluntary muscles, the cells most at risk are the large motor neurons in the lateral aspects of the spinal cord. they are replaced by fibrous astrocytes, which make the spinal cord hard and scar like. Amyotrophic refers to muscle atrophy, lateral refers to parts of the spinal cord that are affected, and sclerosis refers to the hardening of the spinal cord tissue.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
(10.) symptoms of ALS are sometimes classified by whether the disease affects spinal nerves, and whether the symptoms demonstrate damage to upper motor neurons or lower motor neurons. About seventy-five percent of ALS cases are diagnosed as the spinal variations, with early symptoms in the arms or legs. Difficulty with fine motor skills in the hands (writing or buttoning a shirt) maybe the first sign of a problem. when early symptoms occur in the legs, frequent tripping or stumbling may be the first indication of the disease. both the left and right side may be affected but one side is typically worse then the other. Fatigue, cramping, stiffness and weakness move proximally up the limb and eventually affect the voluntary trunk muscles that control breathing.
Anatomy and Physiology Involved in ALS.
(1.) One or more factors cause motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to begin dying off. Disturbed nerve messages can cause abnormal muscle movements that result in twitching and spasms. As muscle cells are not used, they begin to die off. The amount of muscle tissue decreases, causing a condition known as wasting. Researchers have been unsuccessful in finding the cause of motor neuron death. "There is some evidence that free radicals may be involved. Free radicals are very active chemicals that can damage living cells. Defective enzymes may also be a factor in the death of motor neurons. An enzyme is a naturally occurring chemical needed for many chemical reactions that occur in the body |
Possible causes.
(10.) The cause or causes of ALS are still unknown, but when ALS develops, motor neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system die. Many ALS patients also havw tissue damage in parts of the frontal lobe that help in planning an executing movement. Several possible risk factors for ALS have been identified, some including genetic predisposition, oxidative injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, premature cell death, glial cell pathology, and glutamate excitotoxicity. Glutamate for reasons unknown is not neutralized or reabsorbed by post synaptic neurons, and eventually damages and kills the motor neurons it was meant to stimulate. |
Treatment for ALS.
(10.) Though there is no cure for ALS, many options to help prolong the disease from accelerating at a higher speed are optional. Drug treatment for ALS is designed to deal with general fatigue, muscle spasms, and secondary infections. Some drugs available for ALS can limit the amount of glutamate in the central nervous system, so motor neurons can function for a longer period of time. Low dose radiation, or Botulinum toxin injections to the salivary glands which help to limit the production of saliva, can help people suffering with ALS swallow and lower risks of aspiration-related pneumonia.
Non-pharmalogical treatments for ALS include moderate exercises along with physical and occupational therapy to maintain muscle strength for as long as possible. Heat and whirl pools are also used to control muscle spasms. Speech therapy helps with difficulties in swallowing and speech. Assisting devices such as leg braces, arm braces, wheelchairs, voice aids and computers can improve a patient's ability to function better. Lastly a healthy diet is critical as long as patients can eat easily.
Non-pharmalogical treatments for ALS include moderate exercises along with physical and occupational therapy to maintain muscle strength for as long as possible. Heat and whirl pools are also used to control muscle spasms. Speech therapy helps with difficulties in swallowing and speech. Assisting devices such as leg braces, arm braces, wheelchairs, voice aids and computers can improve a patient's ability to function better. Lastly a healthy diet is critical as long as patients can eat easily.
Medications
- Riluzole: is used to reduce neuron damage due to glutamate toxicity. And helps to slow down the worsening of PD, and help to prolong the survival rate of the patient. (10.)
- Muscle Relaxants: are used for spams and spasticity. (10.)
- Antidepressants: for depression, and help by altering the balance of certain chemicals in your brain.
- Anxiolytics for anxiety.
- Dextromethorphan and quinidine to amelio-rate involuntary emotional responses seen with bulbar type ALS. Dextromethorphan is also used to temporarily relieve coughs without creating phlegm, and it also decreases the feeling of needing to cough as well. (10.)
- Muscle Relaxants: are used for spams and spasticity. (10.)
- Antidepressants: for depression, and help by altering the balance of certain chemicals in your brain.
- Anxiolytics for anxiety.
- Dextromethorphan and quinidine to amelio-rate involuntary emotional responses seen with bulbar type ALS. Dextromethorphan is also used to temporarily relieve coughs without creating phlegm, and it also decreases the feeling of needing to cough as well. (10.)
Risk Factors for ALS (3.
Some established risk factors of ALS include:
- Heredity: 5 to 10 percent of the people with ALS inherited it from a family member, and in most cases with people having familial ALS, their children have a 50/50 chance of developing the disease as well.
- Age: ALS most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 40 to 60 years of age.
- Sex: Before the age of 65, slightly more men then women develop ALS. The sex difference disappears after the age of 70. Some studies have suggested that environmental factors can trigger ALS. Environmental factors still under study include:
- Smoking: Smoking seems to increase a person's risk of ALS to almost twice that of someone who doesn't smoke. The more years spent smoking, the greater risk you have, but quitting smoking can help decrease the risk of the disease.
- Lead Exposure: Some evidence suggests that exposure to lead within the workplace may be associated with the development of ALS.
- Military Service: Recent studies indicate that people who have served in the military are at higher risk of ALS. This may include the exposure of certain metals or dangerous chemicals, traumatic injuries, viral infections or intense exertion.
- Heredity: 5 to 10 percent of the people with ALS inherited it from a family member, and in most cases with people having familial ALS, their children have a 50/50 chance of developing the disease as well.
- Age: ALS most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 40 to 60 years of age.
- Sex: Before the age of 65, slightly more men then women develop ALS. The sex difference disappears after the age of 70. Some studies have suggested that environmental factors can trigger ALS. Environmental factors still under study include:
- Smoking: Smoking seems to increase a person's risk of ALS to almost twice that of someone who doesn't smoke. The more years spent smoking, the greater risk you have, but quitting smoking can help decrease the risk of the disease.
- Lead Exposure: Some evidence suggests that exposure to lead within the workplace may be associated with the development of ALS.
- Military Service: Recent studies indicate that people who have served in the military are at higher risk of ALS. This may include the exposure of certain metals or dangerous chemicals, traumatic injuries, viral infections or intense exertion.
Alternative Treatments for ALS.
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Acupuncture is thought to influence physiological functions via the nervous system, and helps to promote blood circulation. Acupuncture can also open the blocked meridians. Two techniques are basically specific for helping to treat ALS:
1. Scalp Acupuncture: Applied in treatments of neurological diseases. Basically what a scalp acupuncture is done is when it is applied to while movement is still close to normal. While there are several zones for treatment on the scalp, a major focal point of this acupuncture technique is threading needles along the scalp on either side of the governing vessel at the top of the head. the second one is Spinal Acupuncture. (5.)
1. Scalp Acupuncture: Applied in treatments of neurological diseases. Basically what a scalp acupuncture is done is when it is applied to while movement is still close to normal. While there are several zones for treatment on the scalp, a major focal point of this acupuncture technique is threading needles along the scalp on either side of the governing vessel at the top of the head. the second one is Spinal Acupuncture. (5.)
Surgery for ALS.
There is no surgical treatment for ALS. The surgeon is called in to perform the tracheotomy when you require help to breathe. A tracheotomy is basically when they create an incision on the anterior aspect of the neck and opening a direct airway through the incision of the trachea to allow the patient to breath better.
Side Effects Of ALS Medications
Riluzole: Some side effects associated with this medication is Dizziness, Light headedness, Drowisness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pains, or numbness and tingling around the mouth. Some more serious side effects that you need to see a doctor about f they are persistent would be: Signs of infections like fever, coughing, chills, or a persistent sore throat. If you suffer from yellowing of the skin/eyes, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach pains or dark urine you need to seek immediate medical attention. (6.)
Muscle Relaxants: Some side effects from taking muscle relaxants include dizziness, drowsiness, the possibility of addiction or dependance of the medication, may contact a dry mouth and urinary retention. (7.)
Antidepressants: Some Side effects while on antidepressants include: Nausea, Increased appetite and weight gain, fatigue and drowsiness, Insomnia, Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Constipation, Dizziness and anxiety. (8.)
Anxiolytics: Some side effects include: Drowsiness, dizziness, lowered blood pressure, Slowness in breathing, and problems remembering things. (9.)
Dextromethorphan: Slight Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting may occur when taking this medication.
Muscle Relaxants: Some side effects from taking muscle relaxants include dizziness, drowsiness, the possibility of addiction or dependance of the medication, may contact a dry mouth and urinary retention. (7.)
Antidepressants: Some Side effects while on antidepressants include: Nausea, Increased appetite and weight gain, fatigue and drowsiness, Insomnia, Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Constipation, Dizziness and anxiety. (8.)
Anxiolytics: Some side effects include: Drowsiness, dizziness, lowered blood pressure, Slowness in breathing, and problems remembering things. (9.)
Dextromethorphan: Slight Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting may occur when taking this medication.
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REFERENCES
1. Human Diseases: The Anatomy and Physiology. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://anatomyandphysiology18.weebly.com/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als.html
2. Alternative Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.als.ca/sites/default/files/files/Alternative%20Treatments.pdf
3. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Factors. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/basics/risk-factors/con-20024397
4. Divakara, K. (2011, November 11). Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/306543-overview
5. Dharmananda, S. (2003, July 1). Treatment of ALS with Chinese Medicine. Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.itmonline.org/arts/als.htm
6. Riluzole - Oral. (2014, April 16). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.medicinenet.com/riluzole_oral_tablets/page2.htm#SideEffects
7. Muscle Relaxants. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/muscle-relaxants-for-low-back-pain
8. Allen, A. (n.d.). Coping with Side Effects of Depression Treatment. Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/coping-with-side-effects-of-depression-treatment
9. Pietrangelo, A. (2013, June 6). Anxiolytics. Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.healthline.com/health/anxiolytics#Overview1
10. Werner, R. (2013). Nervous System Condidtions. In A massage therapist's guide to Pathology (Fifth ed., pp. 149-152). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
11. Dextromethorphan Cough. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-54288/dextromethorphan-cough-oral/details#side-effects
2. Alternative Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.als.ca/sites/default/files/files/Alternative%20Treatments.pdf
3. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Factors. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/basics/risk-factors/con-20024397
4. Divakara, K. (2011, November 11). Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/306543-overview
5. Dharmananda, S. (2003, July 1). Treatment of ALS with Chinese Medicine. Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.itmonline.org/arts/als.htm
6. Riluzole - Oral. (2014, April 16). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.medicinenet.com/riluzole_oral_tablets/page2.htm#SideEffects
7. Muscle Relaxants. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/muscle-relaxants-for-low-back-pain
8. Allen, A. (n.d.). Coping with Side Effects of Depression Treatment. Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/coping-with-side-effects-of-depression-treatment
9. Pietrangelo, A. (2013, June 6). Anxiolytics. Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.healthline.com/health/anxiolytics#Overview1
10. Werner, R. (2013). Nervous System Condidtions. In A massage therapist's guide to Pathology (Fifth ed., pp. 149-152). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
11. Dextromethorphan Cough. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-54288/dextromethorphan-cough-oral/details#side-effects