Neurological Disorders - ALS Flashcards
What neurons does ALS affect?
Motor neurons
What do people with als often die from?
Respiratory failure
What are two other names for ALS?
Lougherigs and charcots
What three forms of ALS are there?
Sporadic
Familial
Other factors
How prevalent is the sporadic form of ALS and what are the two causes of it?
90-95%.
The SOD1 gene
Superoxide dimutase gene - mutation allows superoxide free radicals to accumulate and damage cells
What genes are involved in the familial etiology of ALS?
Sod1 gene and others
What other factors may contribute as an etiology to ALS?
Autoimmune
What is the patho of ALS? What is proposed as another patho for ALS?
Motor neurons are degenerated in: anterior horn cells in spinal cord, motor nuclei in brain stem and upper motor neurons in cerebral cortex
Free radical and or glutamate toxicity which results in damage to motor neurons
Where do upper motor neurons run from?
Brain to spinal cord
What are manifestations of ALS?
Muscle atrophy (because the muscle is receiving inadequate stimulation therefore person does not use)
Weakness
Fascicultations (spontaneous twitch)
Dysarthria (impaired speech)
What are the acute complications of ALS?
Dysphasia and aspiration
What remains intact in ALS?
Cognition and sensory function
How is ALS diagnosed?
Clinical presentation
Electromyography
What is the treatment for ALS?
Supporting management
Riluloze (neuro protective drug that addresses glutamate toxicity)
What three forms of ALS are there?
Sporadic
Familial
Other factors
