ALS Flashcards
1
Q
ALS
A
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
lou gerhigs disease
rare, neurogenerative disorder
Loss of motor neurons
2
Q
Risk factors
A
40- 70 years old, peaks, 60 to 70
Male
Genetic
Smoking
3
Q
patho
A
degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord
Electrical and chemical messages from brain don’t reach muscles
4
Q
is the cause known?
A
No
5
Q
excitotoxic hypothesis
A
Excessive levels of glutamate initiate cascade of events that lead to neuron death
Elevated glutamate in CSF
6
Q
s/sx
A
weakness in upper extremities
Muscle wasting
Spasticity
Dysarthria
Dysphasia, drooling
Cognitive and behavioral changes
Constipation
Sleeping problems
Breathing problems
7
Q
What’s the issue with breathing problems?
A
Leads to respiratory failure, high cause of death
