ALS: Signs, Symptoms, and Stages Flashcards
Signs and symptoms of ALS are progressive and move ___ to _____ . Symptoms depend on the part of
the ______ affected.
distal to proximal
nervous system
The most typical initial symptom of ALS is
weakness of the small muscles of the hand or an asymmetrical foot drop with or without night cramps, usually in the calves.
A person may report tripping or stumbling when walking or running or difficulty fastening clothes.
If the bulbar tract is affected, initial symptoms might include
difficulty breathing, slurred speech, decreased volume in speech, or impaired swallowing.
Corticospinal tract symptoms are ____ (which contributes to ____ and ________
reflexes.
spasticity
muscle pain
hyperreactive
- Corticobulbar tract symptoms are _____ and_____
dysphagia and dysarthria
Which 6 areas are typically not affected by ALS?
Cognition, sensation, vision, hearing, bowel control, and bladder control
ALS has __ stages, broken down by their clinical features .
.
six
ALS: Stage I
The person can walk, is independent with ADLs, and has some weakness.
ALS: Stage II
The person can walk and has moderate weakness.
ALS: Stage III
The person can walk but has severe weakness
ALS: Stage IV
The person requires a wheelchair for mobility, needs some assistance with ADLs, and
has severe weakness in the legs.
ALS: Stage V
The person requires a wheelchair for mobility, is dependent for ADLs, and has severe
weakness in the arms and legs.
ALS: Stage VI
The person is confined to bed and dependent for ADLs and most self-care tasks.
ALS often progresses ____
2. Death usually occurs secondary to respiratory failure
rapidly.
After diagnosis of ALS, life expectancy ranges from ___ to ___ , with a mean survival of 3 years; the disease course may be longer for younger people whose symptoms are milder.
1 to 5 years
