A Background on ALS - Also Known as Lou Gehrig's Disease

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Lou Gehrig's name is often associated with the disease because of his own battle with ALS. Lou Gehrig was a baseball player for the New York Yankees who was diagnosed with ALS in the 1930's.

ALS is a neurological disorder that attacks the neurons responsible for voluntary muscle movements. ALS is a rapidly progressive disorder that leaves it's victims powerless to involuntary muscle spasms. ALS is characterized by upper and lower motor neuron death. The result of motor neuron death is the gradual wasting away and twitching of muscles. Overtime, the ALS sufferer's brain will lose the ability to start and control muscle activity. ALS sufferer's will eventually lose the ability to control their own upper and lower body movements including arm and leg movement. ALS progresses, diaphragm and chest wall muscles fail as well leading to eventual ventilator support for the ALS sufferer.

Although ALS greatly affect the sufferer's muscle control, it is important to note that other functions including hearing, touch, taste, cognitive ability and visual acuity are not affected. The cause of ALS is still unknown.

ALS is a debilitating terminal illness with most sufferer's succumbing to associated respiratory failure within 5 years of the onset of symptoms. The progression of ALS is swift and systemic. An individual suffering from ALS can rapidly progress from having control over body movements to being bedridden without the ability to stand or breathe without support. Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70. ALS affects men more than women. Only 10% of ALS sufferer's will live ten years after ALS diagnosis. As many as 30,000 Americans have ALS, and an estimated 5,000 Americans are diagnosed every year

There is currently no cure for ALS. The focus of current ALS treatment options is symptom relief and maintaining quality of life. The treatment regimen will be individual to the ALS sufferer.

One available treatment option is medications. The FDA has approved Riluzole for the treatment of ALS. The drug Riluzole reduces the motor damage to affected neurons. Riluzole is often prescribed to ALS sufferer's who have trouble swallowing. Baclofen or Tizanadine may relieve the plasticity associated with ALS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed for general pain associated with ALS.

Physical therapy is another ALS treatment option. Daily physical therapy promotes muscle wellness and can prevent cramping and muscle contractures.

Occupational therapy and speech therapy are other important treatment options in the fight against ALS.

There is currently much research being conducted relating to ALS. Scientists are working diligently to find the cause and a cure for ALS.