Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Flashcards
(39 cards)
what is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
- disorder that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement
- known as motor neurons
what type of disease is ALS? what does it mean?
- progressive and neurodegenerative disease, which means it gradually degenerates and kills these motor neurons
what does ALS lead to? (2)
- leads to muscle weakness and atrophy
is the cause of ALS known?
- unknown in most cases (sporadic)
- but 5-10% of cases are familial (genetic)
what degeneration occurs in ALS?
degeneration of both upper motor neurons (in the brain) and lower motor neurons (in the spinal cord & brainstem)
what does degeneration lead to?
- leads to disruption of muscle signals
- causing progressive weakness
what does ALS typically present with?
- muscle weakness
- often starts in one region of the body (such as hand or arm) and gradually spreading
what are other early symptoms of ALS? (3)
- muscle cramps
- twitching
- stiffness
what symptoms do individuals experience as the disease progresses?
- as the disease progresses, individuals experience increasing difficulty with movement, speech, swallowing and breathing
is there a test for ALS? how do you diagnose ALS?
- no single test for ALS so diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions through clinical evaluation, electromyography, nerve conduction studies and sometimes genetic testing
what criteria is often used to aid in diagnosis?
- EI Escorial criteria are often used to aid in diagnosis
is there a cure for ALS?
- no cure for ALS
what does treatment of ALS focus on?
- focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life
what medications can slow disease progression of ALS?
- riluzole
- edaravone
what supportive care would be given for individuals with ALS? (5)
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- speech therapy
- nutritional support
- respiratory care
what type of disease is ALS?
- ALS is a progressive disease
how quickly do people with ALS die?
- die from respiratory failure within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptom
what does the progressive nature of ALS lead to?
- leads to a range of complications, primarily due to the gradual loss of muscle function
what are the range of complications that ALS can cause? (8)
- muscle weakness and atrophy
- speech and swallowing difficulties
- respiratory problems
- cognitive and behavioural changes
- nutritional changes
- emotional and psychological impact
- pain and discomfort
- care and support
what does addressing these problems require?
- require a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, respiratory therapists, dietitians and mental health professionals
how does comprehensive care help individuals with ALS?
- helps with the symptoms of ALS
- maintains quality of life
- supports the individual and their family
what is crucial for people with ALS ?
- maintaining ROM is crucial
what do range of motion exercise improve? (3)
- mobility
- posture
- self care
what do range of motion exercises reduce?
- pain
- spasticity
- wound risk
