Final: ALS and Post-Polio Syndrome Flashcards
What does ALS stand for?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
What does amyotrophy mean?
Muscle atrophy
What does lateral relate to with ALS?
Involvement of the lateral and anterior corticospinal tracts
What does sclerosis relate to with ALS?
Glial cell proliferation and hardening
What nerves does ALS affect?
UMN, LMN, CN
What is ALS?
Progressive neurodegenerative motor neuron disease that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem, and brain
What is the etiology of ALS?
90% unknown, 10% familial
What are possible causes of ALS?
Excitotoxicity caused my excess glutamate and oxidative damage from free radicals
Destruction of what three structures in the cerebral cortex lead to UMN signs?
- Pyramidal cells
- Corticospinal tract
- Corticobulbar tract
Destruction of what type of neurons lead to LMN signs?
Alpha motor neurons
Destruction of what two structures in the cerebral cortex lead to LMN signs?
- Anterior horn of spinal cord
- Cranial nerve nuclei in brainstem
What are five other possible areas that can be affected by neuronal loss?
- Frontotemporal cortex
- Thalamus
- Basal ganglia and SN
- Spinocerebellar tracts
- Dorsal columns
What are examples of LMN signs?
Asymmetric, distal weakness, extensors weaker than flexors, cervical extensor weakness, bulbar signs (CN IX_XII), hyporeflexia, hypotonicity, atrophy, muscle cramps, fasciculations
What are examples of UMN signs?
Spasticity, hyperreflexia, clonus, pathological reflexes, muscle weakness, pseudobulbar palsy due to corticobulbar tract
What will happen to UMN symptoms over the course of the disease?
They can decrease
Where will pt’s with ALS typically have weakness?
Extensors of UE and flexors of LE
What is the presentation of pseudobulbar palsy?
Spastic - UMN of the corticobulbar tract
What is the presentation of bulbar palsy?
Flaccid - LMN
What is the clinical presentation of bulbar symptoms?
Dysarthria, dysphagia, sialorrhea, pseudobulbar affect
What CNs are affected and not affected by ALS?
Affected: V, VII, IX, X, XII
Non affected: ocular muscles
What is preserved with ALS?
- Eye movement
- Bowel and bladder
- Sensory system
- Cognition 50%
What are three primary early signs of ALS?
- Asymmetrical weakness of distal aspect of one limb
- Cramping with volitional movement, early morning stiffness
- Muscle fasiculations, spontaneous twitching of muscle fibers
What are two major later manifestations of ALS?
- Respiratory complications
- Oral motor complications
What is required for an ALS diagnosis?
Clinical presentation of both UMN and LMN symptoms, muscle biopsy with denervation atrophy, muscle enzymes, normal CSF, no changes to myelogram
What is the first FDA approved drug for ALS?
Riluzole
What is Riluzole, and what are the effects?
Inhibits glutamate. May have neuroprotective effect. Slows the progression by 10-15% and increased survival by 3 months
What is Radicava, and what are the effects?
Targets oxidative stress. Still ongoing
What types of medications are used to control drooling with ALS?
Anticholinergics
Onset before what age can cause a slower progression of ALS?
50
What is the typical survival duration after symptom onset of ALS?
2-5 years
Does bulbar or limb onset lead to a more rapid progression?
Bulbar onset
Practice Question: What is the average survival after symptom onset of ALS?
- 1-2 years
- 2-3 years
- 3-5 years
- 5-10 years
- 3-5 years
Practice Questions: Which of the following symptom presentation would be characteristic of someone with a possible dx of ALS?
- Muscle spasm and diaphoresis
- Foot drop and sialorrhea
- Fatigue and sudden vision loss
- Hearing loss and fasciculations
- Foot drop and sialorrhea
Practice Question: Which of the following systems tend to be preserved in people with ALS?
- Motor function
- Cranial nerve function
- Respiratory function
- Sensory function
- Sensory function
What are the three pharmacological agents for ALS?
- Rilutek
- Radicava
- Relyviro (AMX)
What is the MOA of Relyviro (AMX)?
Prevents motor neuron death by working at the endoplasmic reticulum and mitrochondria
What is the functional impact of Relyviro (AMX)?
Significantly reduce the rate of decline on the Revised ALS Functional Scale
What is the effect of Relyviro (AMX) on life expectancy?
Increased by 6.5-10 months - initial trials
What body function and structural impairments are relevant to examining with a pt with ALS?
ROM, MMT, tone, CN integrity, sensory function, cough effectiveness, chest expansion, respiratory sounds, integumentary
What activity limitations are relevant to examining with a pt with ALS?
Functional independence with mobility related tasks, including bed mobility, transfers, gait, balance