Diseases
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease that primarily affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement (those muscles we choose to move). Voluntary muscles produce movements like chewing, walking, and talking.
Symptoms
- tripping and falling
- weakness in your legs, feet or ankles
- hand weakness or clumsiness
- slurred speech or trouble swallowing
- difficulty walking or doing normal daily activities
Causes
- als affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements such as walking and talking (motor neurons). als causes the motor neurons to gradually deteriorate, and then die
Risk factors
- heredity
- ages of 40 and the mid-60s.
- sex. before the age of 65, slightly more men than women develop als.
Diagnosis
- blood and urine tests.
- electromyogram (emg)
- mri.
- nerve conduction study.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease that primarily affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement (those muscles we choose to move). Voluntary muscles produce movements like chewing, walking, and talking.
What are the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
tripping and falling, weakness in your legs, feet or ankles, hand weakness or clumsiness, slurred speech or trouble swallowing, difficulty walking or doing normal daily activities
What causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
als affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements such as walking and talking (motor neurons). als causes the motor neurons to gradually deteriorate, and then die
Which medicines are used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
riluzole
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