Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It primarily affects the motor neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual paralysis.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of ALS include:

• Muscle weakness, usually beginning in the arms or legs
• Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing
• Muscle cramps or twitching
• Difficulty with fine motor skills such as buttoning clothes or writing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue

Causes

The cause of ALS is largely unknown, although it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, the disease may be inherited.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for ALS, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This may include:

• Medications to manage muscle cramps, pain, and spasticity
• Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, communication aids, and feeding tubes
• Physical therapy and exercise to maintain function and mobility
• Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities
• Speech therapy to help with communication and swallowing difficulties

In addition to these treatments, clinical trials are ongoing to investigate new therapies for ALS.