ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Flashcards
(4 cards)
1
Q
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
How is it diagnosed?
A
ALS is a disease that affects nerves cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and loss of control. Overtime, it makes it hard to walk, talk, eat and breathe
• physical exam / medical history
• MRI
• Blood / Urine tests
2
Q
Name 6 symptoms of ALS?
A
• muscle weakness
• trouble speaking or slurred speech
• muscle cramps or twitching
• difficulty walking or balancing
• weakness in hands or arms
• trouble breathing
3
Q
Who gets ALS?
A
ALS can affect anyone, but it’s most common in:
- people aged 40 - 70
- men more than women
- people with a family history of ALS (10% of cases)
4
Q
Is ALS fatal?
A
Yes, ALS is fatal.
It slowly weakens the muscles needed to function.
Most people live 2 - 5 yrs after symptoms begin, some live longer
