Overview

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurological disorder that leads to the inability to move skeletal muscles of the body. The individual affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis cannot perform motor functions such as walking, climbing stairs, speaking, inability to move hands and fingers, and other similar activities. It ceases the individual to carry out daily routine functions seamlessly. Hence, the person often feels negligent and is always dependent on someone. Also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive degenerative neurological disease. It is characterised by dead motor neurons, leading to muscle paralysis, breathing, swallowing, and difficulty in speaking. This post discusses this progressive disease's causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Researchers are still unable to find the root and prime causes of ALS. Still, some medical traits can be termed as causes of ALS:

- Gene Mutations- Gene mutations are one of the causes of ALS. For example, mutations in C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS gene is one of the causes of ALS. Mutations in these genes cause disturbance in the work of motor neurons, making it difficult for the affected individual to perform voluntary actions such as walking, talking, chewing, movement of hands or legs, and various similar disorders.
- Disturbance of Glutamate- Nerve cells pass signals to each other with the help of glutamate. Hence, glutamate is a neurotransmitter that sends chemical signals to the brain. It helps the brain to perform the simplest as well as the most complex functions. Disturbance or blockage with the working of this neurotransmitter can act as one of the causes of ALS. Accumulation of glutamate around the motor neurons can also lead to damaging effects.
- Presence of Microglia- Microglia are the brain's immune cells that can damage the motor neurons of the skeletal muscles. It hampers the functioning of the skeletal muscles that control the body's movement, such as climbing stairs, walking, chewing, eating food, waving hands, and various simple actions. Hence, the presence of excessive microglia in the human body can be one of the major causes of ALS.

Symptoms of ALS

- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a disease identified by the inability to perform motor functions. It is sometimes difficult to determine the symptoms of ALS. However, mentioned below are some of the signs of ALS that can help to identify the disease quickly and at an earlier stage to avoid further damage:
- Twitching of Muscles- In the case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, motor neurons die or degenerate. Hence, the brain cannot send signals to the skeletal muscles responsible for any form of movement in the body. Therefore, the inability to perform essential motor functions such as walking, climbing stairs, running, movement of hands and fingers, and many such activities is one of the prime symptoms of ALS. The condition also leads to muscle weakening and twitching, making it difficult for the affected individual to move quickly.
- Muscle Cramps- Muscle cramps are one of the common symptoms of ALS. Lack of motor neurons leads to conditions such as weakening or twitching muscles. Hence, the individual affected by Amyotrophic Lateral
- Sclerosis experiences muscle cramps, pain in arms and legs, inability to walk, jog, or run properly, and various similar issues. Hence, in case of any such symptom, the affected individual should immediately rush to a doctor to find the root cause.
- Unclear Speech- One of the signs of ALS is slurred speech. In the case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, bulbar neurons are also attacked. These neurons are responsible for carrying messages from the lower part of the brain to the speech area of a human, such as lips, tongue, and the muscles around. The muscles around this area are attacked in case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which leads to blurry or slurred speech and the inability to speak smoothly or pronounce words. It also leads to problems in chewing or swallowing quickly.

Risk factors for ALS

Mentioned below are some of the risk factors for ALS that can lead to a chronic stage of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:

- Difficulty in Breathing
- Slurred Speech
- The problem with Chewing, Swallowing, or Talking

Treatment Options for ALS

Medications- Medications for ALS can help to lower the symptoms of ALS. It enables the affected individual to bear the complications caused due to the disease. Riluzole and Edavarone are some of the medications for ALS that help lower the disease symptoms and make life easier for the affected individual.
Physiotherapy- Physiotherapy is one of the natural and oldest forms of treatment for multiple human health issues. The treatment procedure involves gentle massaging that helps the affected individual feel calm and relaxed. Hence, physiotherapy is one of the highly opted treatment options for ALS. The process also involves massages with different types of massaging equipment for deep tissue massages.
Speech Therapy- Speech therapy is another one of the treatment options for ALS. The disease attacks the muscles around the mouth, making it difficult for the affected individual to speak clearly. Hence, speech therapists help the person to speak loud and clear. The method allows to lower slurred speech and helps reduce the ALS symptom.

When to Consult a Doctor

Timely medical intervention can help cure many of these ailments or help in managing them. You can also get in touch with the expert Neurology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support to treat brain conditions, neurological disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurological disorder hampering the skeletal muscles of a human. Hence, the symptoms of ALS include the inability to walk, run, jog, climb stairs, or speak properly. However, the symptoms can be lowered with the help of medications and the proper treatment at the right time.