ALS- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Question 1

Describe ALS

Answer 1

Lou Gehrig’s disease

Fatal and progressive

Motor neuron disease

Scars form on upper motor neurons in corticospinal pathways

Upper and lower motor neurons also affected

Inflammatory component in the process

Question 2

What are the 2 types of ALS?

Answer 2

Familial

Sporadic

Question 3

What is familial ALS?

Answer 3

10% of cases

Genetic mutation

Family history

Question 4

What is sporadic ALS?

Answer 4

Most cases

Speculation viral

Retroviral

Environmental causes

Genetics

Question 5

True or false

Exposure to chemicals/ lead and electromagnetic fields can cause both familial and sporadic to occur

Answer 5

True

Question 6

What are signs and symptoms of ALS?

Answer 6

Weakness of FM muscles of the hand/ asymmetrical foot drop (most common)

Night cramps (calf muscles)

Spasticity

Loss of emotional control

Difficult speaking/ swallowing

Reduced body temp

Reduced executive function

Respiratory failure

Distal to proximal progression

Hyper responsive reflexes

Distorted speech

Question 7

What is the age of onset of ALS?

Answer 7

16-77 years

Question 8

Between what ages are you diagnosed with ALS?

Answer 8

55-77 years

Question 9

How many years after diagnosis are there for survival?

Answer 9

1-5 years

Question 10

What is death cause by when diagnosed with ALS?

Answer 10

Respiratory failure or pneumonia

Question 11

What are medical/ surgical management for ALS?

Answer 11

Riuzole only medication approved to take

• extends life by 3 mos
• can ease respiratory symptoms

Antispasmodic meds

No steroidal anti inflammatory meds

Gastrostomy

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation

Nebulizer a