ALS

Question 1

ALS affects ___ muscle control

Answer 1

voluntary

Question 2

ALS does not impair ___ or ____ to think

Answer 2

senses
ability

Question 3

ALS pts are ___ of what is happening to their body

Answer 3

aware

Question 4

ALS will affect diaphragm & chest wall & cause

Answer 4

resp failure

Question 5

what are s/s of ALS (13)

Answer 5

muscle cramps
muscle stiffness
muscle weakness
slurred speech
difficulty swallowing
upper motor neuron damage assoc. w/ spasticity
lower motor neuron damage assoc. w/ flaccidity
fatigue while talking
tongue atrophy
dysphagia
dysarthria
nasal quality of speech
fasciculation of face

Question 6

is there a single test to diagnose ALS

Answer 6

no

Question 7

what are diagnostics of ALS based on (8)

Answer 7

s/s
EMG
nerve conduction studies
CT scan
MRI of neck & head
lumbar puncture
genetic testing
swallow studies

Question 8

what med can be used to treat ALS

Answer 8

riluzole

Question 9

riluzole is __ drug approved to slow progression

Answer 9

1st

Question 10

riluzole delayed need of trach by __ to ___ mnths

Answer 10

3 to 6

Question 11

what are adverse effects of riluzole (8)

Answer 11

asthenia
GI reactions
dizziness
vertigo
somnolence
decreased lung function
neutropenia
liver injury

Question 12

what are complications of ALS (11)

Answer 12

aspiration
resp failure
pneumonia
pressure ulcers
DVT
PE
constipation
contractires
depression
wt loss
loss of ability of self care