ALS Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is ALS
A fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorder
What does ALS stand for and broken up meaning
Muscle atrophy
Degeneration and eventual death of motor neurons in the cortex, brainstem, anterior horn cells and pyramidal tracts
Two forms
Familial
sporadic (90%)
Risk factors for sporadic ALS
Smoking Exposure to certain metals Electrical work Military Environment* Head trauma* Excessive physical activity* Genetics*
Pathophys of ALS
Progressive deterioration of motor nerve cells in brain and spinal cord
What’s the protein found misfolded in the cytoplasm
TDP 43
Links ALS to FTD
TDP 43
General clinical manifestations of ALS
UMN LMN Limb and spine Bulbar Pseudobulbar Respiratory
UMN
Spasticity
HyPER reflexia and clonus
Pseudobulbar effect
LMN
Muscle weak and atrophy
Fasciculations
Cramps
HYPOreflexia
Limb and spine
Asymmetric limb weak most common
What’s affected first in limb issues
Finger extensors and ankle DF affected first
Cervical
Weak extensors- head flop
Bulbar from brainstem
Dysphagia
Dysarthria
Sialorrhea
Pseudobulbar
Inappropriate crying and laughter
Respiratory issues (6)
DOE or with lying flat Weak cough Use aux muscles more Daytime sleepy Less concentration Headaches
Signs and Sx of FTD (5)
Emotional blunting Loss of insight Decreased social conduct Personality changes Decreased word generation
ALS does NOT affect? (5)
Bowel and bladder Internal organs Sexual function Eye muscles Sensation
One of the most common Sx with ALS
Fatigue
Weakness with specific patterns
Doesn’t improve or get worse with exercise
Distal limbs affected first
Spine extensors most affected
Presence of both
UMN and LMN Sx
3 other common themes in ppl with ALS
Fatigue
Difficulty with lying flat
Personality changes
Cranial nerves involved
PBP = progressive bulbar palsy
UMN
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
