als Flashcards
what is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
fatal progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration and eventual death of motor neurons
what is familial ALS? risk of parent passing to child?
autosomal dominant
if 1 parent is a carrier, child has a 50% chance of getting ALS
what are some causes of sporadic als?
smoking exposure to certain metals electrical work being in the military environmental exposure head trauma excessive physical activity genetic predisposition low bmi
what type of neurons are affected by als? how does this progress?
motor units die
as some die, other motor units try to compensate
what muscles are affected by ALS?
voluntary
diaphragm included
what is the most common initial presentation of als?
asymmetric limb weakness, distal to proximal, THEN middle
finger extensors and ankle dorsiflexors first (foot drop)
in als, do limbs and neck/trunk exhibit lower, upper or both motor neuron deficit?
both
what are three bulbar symptoms of als?
dysphagia (swallowing)
dysarthria (speaking)
sialorrhea (drooling)
what are two pseudobulbar symptoms of als?
inappropriate laughter
inappropriate crying
what are 5 cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms of als?
emotional blunting loss of insight decreased social conduct personality changes decreased word generation
what are 5 common themes in persons with als?
weakness: distal to proximal, worse w exercise sensation intact umn and lmn fatigue difficulty lying flat personality changes
what is the average lifespan for someone with als?
2-5 yrs post diagnosis
what are 6 exercise guidelines for treatement with als?
stop if cramps or fasciculations occur avoid eccentric contractions avoid hi rep avoid hi resistance monitor fatigue res. statues, nutrition and SAFETY
