Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
A Progressive Struggle Against Muscle Decline
Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells involved in voluntary muscle contractions. The muscles somehow lose control of the brain, this results in weakness, paralysis, and ultimately the loss of vital body functions. Awareness of the disease is the way to early treatment, proper care, and caregiving.
What ALS Does to the Body
It destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons carry signals to the muscles used for voluntary actions, such as moving the legs and arms, walking, swallowing, and speaking. When these cells lose their ability to function and die, the muscles they serve start to weaken. When additional cells are lost, the muscles shrink and waste away. Even the muscles that help in breathing and eating will ultimately begin to weaken. However, ALS typically should not affect the senses such as hearing, taste, or smell, and pain is not a very notable feature in the early stages.
Early Symptoms That Must Not Be Ignored
ALS generally begins with symptoms that are not relevant or seem irrelevant. Symptoms may begin with stiffness in the arms and legs, or it may become harder to perform familiar tasks. The first symptoms are mostly seen in the hands, feet, or legs. As the disease advances, it will involve other parts of the body and continue to get worse.
Early symptoms are:
- Difficulty grasping objects, constant dropping, or clumsiness due to weakness
- Slurred, slow speech that gradually becomes more difficult to comprehend
- Frequent muscle cramps or twitching
- Stiffening or tightness of the limbs
- Increasing imbalance and loss of the ability to walk
These warning signs should never be dismissed. Examination by a neurologist at this point can be an essential component of planning and treatment.
Why ALS Occurs: Searching for the Reason
The reason for most individuals with ALS is unknown. In a few cases, it occurs in families due to gene mutations. The others happen at random with no genetic component. Scientists believe that a mixture of genetic, environmental, and biological factors can trigger ALS. Some studies show that abnormalities in cellular protein disposal, chemical brain imbalances such as glutamate, or free radical damage may be involved. But so far, no cause has been found. Motor neuron death is the outcome, regardless of the reason, and it is this that produces irreversible damage to the muscles.
Who Has the Greatest Risk
ALS is indiscriminate, but there are patterns in those who have it. The majority are diagnosed between 60 and 80 years of age. Men are slightly more prone to developing ALS than women, at least until around age 65, when the risk becomes the same. People with a history of ALS in their family are at much greater risk.
Key risk factors are:
- Age: Highest incidence between 60 and 80
- Gender: Slightly more frequent in men younger than age 65
- ALS or other motor neuron disease family history
- Smoking, particularly after menopause in women
- Exposure to some toxins in the environment
Although these risk factors increase the likelihood of ALS, they do not guarantee that ALS will develop, and many individuals with ALS have none of these background factors.
Diagnosing ALS: A Process of Elimination
ALS is a challenging disease to diagnose. No test can provide a diagnosis. Instead, doctors must perform a set of tests to rule out other nervous system diseases. A comprehensive assessment of symptoms, neurological tests, and test sequences is used to arrive at a diagnosis. They include electromyography to ascertain electrical muscle activity, nerve conduction tests, MRIs, and spinal fluid analysis.
As ALS mimics other conditions during the first phase, it will only be realized after months, and after visiting experts on multiple occasions. Patients with progressive muscle weakness should report early to maximize their chances of receiving appropriate treatment and care.
The Role of Treatment: Cure vs. Quality of Life
ALS is not curable. However, treatment is aimed at retaining as much control over symptoms and quality of life as possible. The medicines can help stop the disease from progressing to a certain degree and help the patient come to terms with physical limitations. A multidisciplinary team of health-care professionals will usually be involved in managing care and treatment to address changing patient needs.
Loss of physical function can be countered to some extent by equipment such as communication aids, power wheelchairs, and home adaptation. All these will be a way of restoring some independence. Psychological therapy and support groups will also be key in helping both patients and their families to face up to emotional problems and plan for the future.
Emotional Burden and Inner Strength
ALS not only attacks the physical body, but it also seriously impacts the emotional life of the caregiver and patient. Support groups such as therapists, online communities, or face-to-face groups usually allow individuals to unburden emotional loads and offer them an opportunity to share, learn from others, and identify with those who experience similar circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early warning signs of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
How is ALS diagnosed and what tests are typically performed?
What are the most common symptoms of ALS progression?
Can ALS be treated or slowed down with medication?
What causes Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and is it hereditary?
How long can someone live after an ALS diagnosis?
What is the difference between ALS and other motor neuron diseases?
How does ALS affect the brain and spinal cord?
What types of therapies help improve the quality of life for ALS patients?
Are there any new research or clinical trials available for ALS treatment?
The First Step to Answers and Support
Don’t wait to call if you or someone you know develops muscle weakness, clumsiness, or a change in speech in Westchester or NYC. One needs to understand that early neurologic assessment will identify the cause and provide reassurance and peace of mind. Even if ALS is ruled out, other conditions can be addressed.
At Chester Neurology, we listen to your concerns quite well and develop brief, customized care plans. Perhaps it’s a first test, follow-up care, or just a question about what’s happening—whatever it is, we’re here to guide you through it all.
Call us today at (914) 816-1941 or email us at info@chesterneurology.com.
