The word conveys the idea that the muscles arent getting what they need to function properly.
Lateral refers to the parts of the spinal cord where the nerve cells that control the muscles are found.
The disease is progressive, meaning the symptoms people experience get worse over time.
There is no cure or effective treatment for the disease.
Signs and Symptoms of ALS
Early symptoms of ALS are often subtle and may be overlooked.
They may include muscle twitching, cramping, stiffness, or weakness.
ALS symptoms usually begin in your hands, feet, arms, and legs.
As ALS progresses and nerve cells are destroyed, the muscles get weaker.
This eventually affects a persons ability to chew and swallow food, speak, and breathe.
Theres generally no pain in the early stages of ALS, and its rare even in the later stages.
ALS doesnt usually affect your bladder control or your senses.
Still, in most people with ALS, the condition appears to develop randomly.
These people have whats called sporadic ALS.
SexMen are slightly more likely than women to develop ALS before age 65.
After age 70, the risk is the same for men and women.
Race and EthnicityWhite people and non-Hispanics are at increased risk of developing ALS.
SmokingTobacco smoking appears to increase the risk of ALS, especially in women who are post-menopausal.
Exposure to ToxinsSome studies link lead and other substances to ALS.
Military ServiceThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-connected disease.
The reason for this increased risk isnt known.
Too much glutamate is toxic to some nerve cells, and may contribute to the development of ALS.
This attack could cause ALS.
Virus CellsTheres also some evidence that the condition may have a viral link.
Some studies have found that people with ALS have virus cells in their spinal cords.
(4)
These viral cells have similar properties toechovirus-7, which causes meningitis and rare cases of encephalitis.
More research is needed to understand this process.
Types of ALS
Many different types of ALS have been identified.
The most common forms are sporadic ALS and familial ALS.
Some people with this mutation show signs of both motor neuron anddementia symptoms.
(5)
How Is ALS Diagnosed?
This test measures the electrical activity of your muscles when they contract and when theyre at rest.
If abnormal electrical activity is spotted, thats an indication you may have ALS.
The findings on this test can also help guide exercise therapy for your ALS.
This test can spot nerve damage or certain diseases of the muscles or nerves.
MRIMRI uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of your brain and spinal cord.
Muscle BiopsyFinally, a muscle biopsy can be used to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
A genetic test can determine if the disease is triggered by mutated genes that are inherited.
(3)
Genetic testing doesnt change the course of medical treatment if you already have ALS.
Some insurance plans cover genetic testing for ALS, and others do not.
Check with your insurance company for details before being tested.
To find a genetic counselor in your area, visit theNational Society of Genetic Counselors.
Youll also learn the pros and cons of genetic testing.
The test itself may involve drawing blood or spitting into a tube.
Visit theGINA websiteor theGenetic Alliancefor more information.
Prognosis of ALS
ALS generally progresses rapidly.
But proactive treatment can extend life and improve quality of life for people with the condition.
This is about the average lifespan for people with ALS.
Almost everyone with the condition develops respiratory weakness, and most people with it die from lung-related complications.
Still, how fast and in what order this occurs varies from person to person.
These ALS stops and starts are usually temporary.
(9)
Treatment and Medication Options for ALS
Theres no cure for ALS.
Treatment of the condition is focused on maintaining physical function and independence for as long as possible.
It should also include end-of-life planning.
You dont have to decide on everything right away.
You and your medical team can and should discuss your options for supportive care as symptoms arise.
Keep in mind that it’s possible for you to update all these documents at any time.
Ultimately, the choice is yours whether to accept or decline treatment that will prolong your life with ALS.
The drug can cause side effects, including dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, and liver function problems.
Its administered daily for two weeks a month.
Edaravone is designed to disrupt oxidative stress, which causes the death of nerve cells in people with ALS.
Your doctor should test your breathing regularly.
Eventually, you may need what is called invasive ventilation to help you breathe.
A speech therapist can teach you adaptive techniques to make your speech more understandable.
They can also help you explore other methods of communication, like analphabet boardor electronic devices.
They may also affect how well your prescription medications work.
People with ALS can participate in these studies through the National ALS Registry and the National ALS Biorepository.
ALS Research and Statistics: How Many People Have ALS?
ALS occurs around the world and affects all races and ethnic groups.
That translates into about 30,000 people nationwide.
An estimated 5,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.
ALS affects more males than females.
Approximately 60 percent of those with the condition are men, and 40 percent are women.
While people can get ALS at any age, most are diagnosed between age 40 and 70.
In addition, 20 out of every 100,000 people between age 70 and 79 are diagnosed with the condition.
This research is still in the early stages.
It may also cause breathing problems.
Focal or monomelic motor neuron disease affects only one area of the body, usually the shoulder muscles.
The disease progresses over several months, and some people eventually develop more extensive motor neuron disease.
People with this condition may have difficulty speaking and swallowing.
Progressive muscular atrophy causes muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy) in the lower body, particularly the legs.
Finally, very rarely, some people withHIVmay experience a complication that resembles ALS.
It can be reversed with antiviral therapy designed to treat the infection.
The association has chapters in several U.S. states.
Search online for yourlocal state chapter.
ALS Therapy Development Institute
The ALS Therapy Development Institute is a nonprofit drug discovery lab focused solely on ALS.
Its website also offersresources for individuals affected by ALS.
The foundation additionally provides a variety ofsupport servicesfor people affected by ALS.
Its website has aContact an ALS Specialistsearch feature.
ALS Untangled
This research group studies alternative and off-label treatments as possible treatments for ALS.
FavoriteALS Fundraisers
Many medical conditions have fundraisers associated with them.
Additional reporting byBrian P. Dunleavy.
Cassata contributes to Healthline, Verywell, Yahoo, and more.
Cassata completed the editing certificate program at the University of Chicago.
