(ALS) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

 

This Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, widely called as Lou Gehrig's disease, has been a quickly progressing and deadly neurodegenerative disease that attacks the motor nerve cell within the brain and the spinal cord, impairing muscle action. The disease's exact definition is the degeneration of voluntary muscles owing to a lack of nutrition. In reality, the sickness has no effect on the patient's emotional or mental quotient; nonetheless, a person may experience severe depression or changes in cognitive skills that influence memory or behavior. It has not been shown to influence the sensory neurons of the person's capacity to touch, smell, taste, or hear, for example.

HOW COMMON IS ALS?

Although the numbers aren't exact, a CDC analysis suggests that over 12000-15000 persons in the United States have been diagnosed with the fatal condition. The overall prevalence rate of ALS has been estimated to be 3.9 per 1,000 patients on average. This percentage rises every year as the number of reported cases rises. The data is also proportionate to age; as people get older, the prevalence of sickness has been seen to rise. The age group 18-39 years has the lowest prevalence rate of 0.5 per 100,000 persons, while the age group 65-80 years has the greatest prevalence rate of 17 per 100,000 patients. Males, in particular, have a greater incidence than females, with a reported male-to-female ratio of 1.56. According to the ethnic database, whites accounted for over 79 percent of recorded cases, while blacks accounted for only 6.5 percent. Overall, roughly 5-10% of the instances have been documented inside families, with men and women treated equally. This incident has been connected to a chromosome 9 gene mutation.

FACTORS INVOLVED IN ALS

Although the specific reason of its development is unknown several researches has shown various information concerning its occurrence, such as genetic alterations or exposure to its environment. Many other studies have connected it to atypical diets or injuries as well. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has established that alterations in gene mutations can cause ALS. The development of the illness has been linked to a faulty gene that generates the enzyme SOD1. Some experts have also connected it to toxins in the environment, like lead exposure or infectious agents, as well as physical trauma, behavioral and occupational problems.

ASSOCIATED WITH ALS SYMPTOMS

The earliest symptoms, in general, have been noted to be so faint that they might be disregarded. Fasciculation, cramps, tights, and stiff muscles, muscular weakness in the arm or leg, slurred or nasal speech, and trouble eating or swallowing are only a few of them. These early symptoms may progress to significant atrophy, leading a doctor to suspect ALS. Apart from the early symptoms, spasticity and excessive reflexes, such as the huge toe stretched upward as the sole of the foot is stimulated in a specific way, are among the upper motor neuron's progressing symptoms. ALS is difficult to diagnose because there is no medical test that can confirm the condition. Other clinical investigations are currently recommended to rule out the potential of other degenerative illnesses. Blood and urine tests, spinal taps, X-ray analysis, myelograms, and muscle or nerve biopsies are only a few of the extensive diagnostic procedures available.