ALS Flashcards
definition of ALS
–rare, progressive neuro disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons
survival for ALS patients
–death usually occurs around 3 years after diagnosis
–fatal due to respiratory failure
etiology of ALS
unknown
risk factors for ALS
–age: 40-70
–male
–genetics
–smoking
patho of ALS
–motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord gradually degenerate
–axonal degeneration, demyelination, and sclerosis/scarring occurs
–electrical and chemical messages from the brain do not reach the muscles
what is the end result of ALS patho?
dead neurons
what could cause ALS?
excitotoxicity hypothesis
excitotoxicity hypothesis
excessive levels of glutamate initiates a cascade of events that lead to neuron death
glutamate
excitatory neurotransmitter
why do we think excitotoxicity hypothesis plays a role?
–elevated glutamate levels in the CSF
–antiglutaminergic drug improves survival
symptoms of ALS
–weakness of upper extremities
–dysarthria, dysphagia, drooling
–cognitive and behavioral changes
–constipation
–sleep problems
–breathing
what occurs with upper extremity weakness in ALS?
–muscle wasting
–spasticity
spinal form of ALS
classification of riluzole
glutamate inhibitor
therapeutic indication for riluzole
only drug approved for ALS
MOA of riluzole
–glutamate agonist
–reduces damage to motor neurons
