Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

 John

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

SYMPTOMS

• Weakness
• Muscle Cramps
• Slurred Speech
• Trouble Swallowing
• Twitching

Treatment

• Physical Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Riluzole

Risk Factors

• Heredity- Studies show that 10 % of people with A.L.S have at least one parent with A.L.S.
• Age- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is usually diagnosed between the ages of 40-60 years of age.
• Sex- Before the age of 65 A.L.S women foster this disease slightly more than men, after the age of 65 the probability is about equal.
• Smoking- Smoking doubles the chance of someone getting A.L.S in contrast to a non-smoker.
• Military Service- Serving in war also slightly increases the chance of someone getting A.L.S.

Tests and diagnosis'-

• Electricmyogram- This test measures the electrical discharges of the muscles being analyzed.
• Nerve Conduction Study- During this test, electrodes are attached to the skin above the nerve or muscle that is being studied.
• MRI- Uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce images of what is being looked upon.
• Blood and Urine- This test may be able to limit the signs and symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
• Muscle Biopsy- A piece of your muscle gets removed and they analyze the muscle.

Cause

• The cause A.L.S is unknown.
• Some studies show that it is genetic.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is not contagious.

Effects on Life
There are many things that people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis cannot do such as:

• Playing Cards
• Picking up every day items
• Exercise
• Getting dressed
• Handwriting letters