Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Question 1

etiology

Answer 1

Degeneration of corticospinal tracts and anterior horn cells or bulbar efferent neurons

UMN and LMN disease

Question 2

symptoms

Answer 2

Muscle weakness and atrophy, evidence of anterior horn cell destructions, beings distally and asymmetrically

Camps and fasciculations precede weakness

Signs begin in hands

LMN-spasticity

Dysarthria and dysphagia

Sensory systems

Question 3

Treatment

Answer 3

None specific

Prevent aspirations, pressure sores, contractures and pain management