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Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Overview, Symptoms, and Treatment

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was first discovered by Jean-Martin Charcot in 1869. It predominantly affects men and remains largely a mystery with no known cure. Diagnosis is challenging due to symptoms that mimic other neuromuscular disorders, typically requiring neurological exams, EMG/NCV studies, and MRIs. 90-95% of cases are random, while 5-10% are inherited, often linked to genetic mutations. Symptoms include muscle twitching, cramping, coordination issues, and progressive weakness. Treatments are limited, focusing on symptom management and improving quality of life.

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Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Overview, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Lou Gehrig’s Disease

  2. Introduction - Jean-Martin Charcot discovered 1869 -Men most affected -Still remains mostly a mystery

  3. Diagnosis - Difficult to diagnose due to similarity to other curable neuromuscular disorders - Neurological exam to look for muscle weakness - Use EMG/NCV studies and MRI to rule out other diseases

  4. Transmission - 90% to 95% random due to no risk factors - 5% to 10% of cases are inherited/ 20% of hereditary cases due to genetic defect that causes mutation of the enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 - Not all cases due to same thing so undiscovered genetic problems must exist

  5. Signs and Symptoms • Symptoms • Twitching • Cramping • Stiffness of muscles • Trouble with muscle coordination • Speech problems • Stay aware and intellectual • Problems swallowing • Progressively symptoms get worse and more severe

  6. Treatment • No cure has been found • Drugs like riluzole are used to improve lives of victims • Physical therapy, physicians, and constant aid help person feel more comfortable • All just prolongs death

  7. Pictures

  8. Source List http://www.neurologychannel.com/als/diagnosis.shtml http://als-lou-gehrigs-disease.suite101.com/article.cfm/alsamyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/detail_amyotrophiclateralsclerosis.htm

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