The Lou Gehrig's disease, commonly known as ALS or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the progressive motor neuron diseases that are affecting the spinal cord and the nerve cells within the brain. The motor neurons are tiny nerve bundles that go to the spinal cord coming from the brain subsequently to the muscles all throughout the body. Motor neurons die as a result of gradual degeneration, and the brain loses contact with the muscle. As a result, muscular control is compromised. As a result of this "disconnection," the muscle loses neuron nutrition and stimulation, leading to muscular atrophy (becoming smaller).
ALS Causes
ALS is caused by a hereditary genetic abnormality in around 10% of patients. The reason is unknown in the other situations. ALS affects around five people in every 100,000 people across the world. Except for having a family member who has experienced the genetic type of the illness, there is no recognized risk factor for ALS. The molecular processes that cause ALS are yet unknown, although they may be linked to a gene called SOD1. This gene mutation is hypothesized to produce a protein that is harmful to motor nerve cells. People with ALS lose their capacity to function and care for themselves as this poison builds up in their bodies. They lose voluntary muscle control and subsequently lose involuntary control, which is essential for key organ systems.
ALS Signs and Symptoms
ALS symptoms might be so subtle at first that they are commonly missed. The majority of symptoms appear later in life, generally beyond the age of 50. They can, however, arise in younger persons. People with ALS endure a loss of muscular power and coordination that worsens with time. Muscle weakness can affect the hands, arms, and legs, as well as the muscles that control speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Twitching and muscular cramping, especially in the hands and feet, are common early symptoms. These indicators might differ greatly from one individual to the next. Tripping or falling episodes are common symptoms. Slurred speech or bouts of weeping or laughing are common symptoms for others. Muscle weakness is the most common symptom of ALS, affecting around 60% of individuals. The hands and feet may be the first to be affected. Lifting objects, buttoning clothing, and walking with difficulties are all frequent symptoms. As the illness progresses, it spreads to the body's trunk muscles. Speech, swallowing, chewing, and breathing all suffer as a result of this. When the patient's breathing muscles are damaged, he or she will require continuous ventilator support to survive. These symptoms indicate that the illness is nearing its conclusion.
Treatment for ALS
ALS is presently incurable. Even while doctors can't stop ALS from progressing and causing symptoms, there have been significant medicinal advancements that have helped people live longer and better lives. Patients with this complicated illness are cared for by a team of neurologists and other health care experts versed in neuromuscular disorders. Symptom relief and maintaining a high quality of life is frequently the goals of this treatment. The treatment strategy may alter often as the condition develops, and it may differ from person to person.
