AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL

SCLEROSISLou Gehrig’s

Disease

Introduction- Jean-Martin Charcot discovered 1869-Men most affected

-Still remains mostly a mystery

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

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

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

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

Pictures

Source Listhttp://www.neurologychannel.com/als/diagnosis.shtmlhttp://als-lou-gehrigs-disease.suite101.com/article.cfm/alsamyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/detail_amyotrophiclateralsclerosis.htm