ALS Flashcards
ALS stands for
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS aka
Lou Gehrig’s disease
Cause of ALS
unknown
s/s develop for ALS after
age 50
more in mena than women
ALS progression
rapid and fatal CNS disease
ALS affects
voluntary muscle control (blinking)
- diaphragm and chest wall
-repiratory failure and ventilator support
does not impair the sense or ability to think
What neurons die in ALS
UPPER AND LOWER
When the dx for MS happens what do you say to the pt?
direct about the disease and prepare the documents to be signed
PEG and INT feedings
S/S of ALS
Muscle cramps or stiffness, muscle weakness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing
Upper motor neuron damage
Associated with spasticity
Lower motor neuron damage
Associated with flaccidity
Fatigue while talking
Tongue atrophy
Dysphagia
Dysarthria
Nasal quality of speech
Fasciculation of the face
Weakness of arms and hands
Spasticity
Muscle atrophy*
Eventual muscle respiratory involvement
Dx Test for ALS
NO SINGLE TEST CAN DX
based on s/s
CT and MRI help rule out other
Genetic testing and swallow studies
EMG = nerve damage and r/o peripheral neuropathy
Riluzole (Rilutek) Tx of MS
First drug approved to slow progression of s/s
Delayed need for tracheostomy by 3-6 months
Well tolerated
Riluzole (Rilutek) does what
reduces damage to motor neurons by decreasing the release of glutamate
Riluzole (Rilutek) adverse reactions
asthenia, GI reactions, dizziness, vertigo, somnolence, decreased lung function, neutropenia, and liver injury
Who was the celebrity associated with ALS
Stephen Hawking
Complications of ALS
Aspiration
Respiratory failure
Pneumonia
Pressure ulcers
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Constipation, contractures ROM, rolled towels
Depression, weight loss (no eating)
Loss of ability for self-care
