Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The nervous system controls the body in general, and in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the muscles become significantly affected, which leads to numerous problems in their work.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nervous cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for voluntary muscle movements (like moving your arms, chewing, walking, and others) and leads to a disturbance in the connection between them and the muscles, which causes problems in their movement.

There are two types of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, depending on the cause:

• Sporadic ALS: It means that the condition occurs randomly and isn’t inherited. It constitutes about 90% of the cases.
• Familial ALS: It’s an inherited condition that occurs due to a genetic mutation. It constitutes about 10% of the cases.

This condition usually occurs between the ages of 55 and 75, and it occurs more in men before the age of 55.

Causes and risk factors leading to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• There isn’t a specific cause for this condition, but it’s thought that it’s a result of genetic causes and environmental factors like being exposed to toxins (lead or mercury), viruses, or physical traumas.
• The risk factors include the white race, smoking, and military veterans (it’s thought that they’ve been extremely exposed to toxins).

Symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

The symptoms usually start as muscle weakness and stiffness, and they include:

• Muscle weakness (the neck, arms, and legs).
• Twitching in the tongue, shoulders, hands, or feet.
• Muscle cramps and stiffness.
• Drooling.
• Speaking problems, such as slurring words and trouble forming words
• Involuntary expressions, such as laughing, crying, and yawning.
• Tripping and falling.
• Thinking and behavioral changes.
• Fatigue.

Complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Breathing shortness and difficulties, and the possibility of needing a device to help breathe. This could lead to death due to breathing failure, and it’s the most common cause of death in ALS patients.
• Inability to stand and walk.
• Weight loss due to eating and swallowing difficulties, and that causes dehydration and malnutrition.
• Food and drinks might enter the lungs and cause pneumonia.
• Dementia.
• Depression and anxiety.
• More than half of the patients die within 14-18 months after the diagnosis, but in some cases, they might live for 10 years or more.

Diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Physical examination.
• Neurological examination.
• Blood and urine tests.
• Imaging tests.
• Lumbar puncture.
• Nerve or muscle biopsy.

Management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

There isn’t a cure for ALS, but the condition is managed, and the symptoms are alleviated by:

• Some medications.
• Physical therapy.
• Psychological therapy.
• Speech therapy.
• Nutritional support for the patient.
• Social support from family and friends.