Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly known as ALS syndrome and Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a progressive disorder that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. It is a rare disease, with 5,000 new cases in our country every year. However, the condition’s rarity and complex nature make early detection crucial. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and ways to manage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
While the condition’s root cause is still unknown, scientists and health researchers are sure about the following risk factors:
Hereditary
Research indicates that, of all people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, up to 10 percent inherit the condition from their families. Also, the probability of patients passing the health condition to their children is as high as 60 percent.
Genetics
Research suggests that mutations in the S0D1 gene can increase one’s probability of developing the disease. In addition, changes in the processing of RNA molecules may cause ALS-related motor neuron degeneration.
Age and gender
Doctors suggest that the probability of suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can increase with age, especially in men over 65. Some women are at higher risk after menopause.
Toxin exposure
Exposure to toxins in the environment can increase the risk of the disease. Experts suggest that exposure to chemicals like lead in the workplace can have similar effects.
Symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The condition’s initial symptoms may be very minimal and even go unnoticed. These include slurred speech, muscle cramps, muscle twitches, and uncontrollable bouts of laughing or crying. As the disease progresses, one may experience trouble lifting or holding objects and changes in the vocal pitch while speaking.
When the condition worsens, the patient’s motor control deteriorates significantly, and they experience painless muscle weakness and fatigue. Those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may also experience troubled breathing during this time. Some might need permanent ventilator support to assist with breathing.
Most people may not suffer from loss of senses such as sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell at any point. However, in the later stages, the symptoms may be accompanied by other mental conditions like dementia, where patients may have a tough time memorizing and making decisions.
Diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
As mentioned, the condition can be hard to detect in earlier stages as the symptoms closely mimic other neurological disorders. Doctors use the following tests for diagnosis:
Nerve condition study
The test measures the nerves’ ability to send impulses to the muscles in different body parts. If the nerves do not function properly, it could indicate nerve damage or disease.
EMG
Electromyogram or EMG is a procedure that evaluates the electrical activity of the muscles when they contract and relax. Here, the doctor inserts the needle electrode into different muscles.
Spinal tap
This procedure is beneficial for detecting health conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A spinal tap involves removing spinal fluid between two vertebrae to check for infection or damaged nerve cells.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI examines the brain and spinal cord by analyzing their internal images to reveal damages.
Muscle biopsy
A muscle biopsy is typically done when the doctor believes the patient is suffering from a degenerative muscle disease rather than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
How to manage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Although the condition is irreversible, it can be managed by slowing down or stopping its progression. Here is how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is managed:
Clinical intervention
Doctors may prescribe treatment options to increase the patient’s life expectancy for up to six months. Doing so may, however, cause several side effects. Doctors may also prescribe treatments to relieve symptoms like muscle cramps, constipation, fatigue, pain, and sleep problems.
Therapies
Therapy may improve muscle coordination and other motor neuron-related functions. For instance, breathing exercises may help improve breathing. However, patients with worsened breathing problems may be put on mechanical breathing apparatus like ventilators. Physiotherapists may recommend low-impact exercises to improve mobility so that patients may perform daily activities without support. Further, speech therapists may teach techniques that let patients speak more clearly, sometimes with the help of computers containing text-to-speech applications.
Nutrition for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Apart from standard treatments and therapies, doctors recommend specific nutrition plans to manage the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, like muscle weakness, fatigue, and constipation. Patients should eat meals rich in grains, dairy, proteins, colorful fruits, and dark leafy greens. Those who find it hard to chew or swallow may modify the consistency of the particular food items using a blender or lubricate the food morsels using sauces or gravies.
