Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay - 1023 Words

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease Maladie de Charcot Lou Gehrigs Disease What is the Disease? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;ALS is an extremely deadly disease affecting the nerve cells that control the victims voluntary muscles. These nerves shrink and eventually die, leaving the muscles without stimulation. As these muscles go without stimulation, they too eventually shrink and die. The victim progressively weakens to the point of complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles and some involuntary muscles, such as breathing and swallowing, and soon after this point, death is inevitable. A means quot;Withoutquot; Myo means quot;Musclequot; Trophic means quot;Nourishmentquot; Lateral refers to uneven†¦show more content†¦Another third find a weakness in their legs and may trip because of a mild foot drop. The remaining one-third notice slurring in their speech or difficulty swallowing. Because all of these symptoms happen naturally, it is generally not characterized as ALS until the symptom progressively worsens. This happens as the affected areas muscle cells deteriorate, resulting in muscle tenseness. Frequently one side of the body is affected first and it then gradually passes to the other side. Muscles in the eyes, anus and bladder are generally left unaffected. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Diagnoses nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;As there is no known way to prevent this disease, there is also no specific clinical test to identify ALS. It generally involves a physical examination, perusing through the patients medical history, and neurological testing. To test muscle activity specialists often use an EMG, or electromyogram, and will often use CT scans, MRIs, and thorough blood examination. There is also a recently developed SOD1 scan, the gene now thought to be the cause for ALS, especially familial ALS. Only 20%, however, of patients with familial ALS show positive on the SOD1 scan. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Progress of ALS nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;UntilShow MoreRelatedAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1478 Words   |  6 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Jean-Marie Charcot was the first to recognize ALS as a distinct neurological disease with its own unique pathology. In ALS, nerve cells degenerate and deteriorate, and are unable to transmit messages to muscles. In around 90% of the cases of ALS, the cause remains unknown. Studies have concentrated on the responsibility of glutamateRead More Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay1644 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is an insidiously developing, adult-onset, progressive anterior horn cell degeneration with associated degeneration of descending motor pathways. Despite increasing clinical and research interest, its cause remains obscure. Although many theories as to its cause have been proposed, no intervention has yet been shown to modify biologically determined motor system degeneration. There is no clear cut neuropathological diagnosis forRead MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)796 Words   |  3 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is commonly referred to as ALS. This disease is also known to many as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a disease characterized by the slow death of certain nerve cells in the brain and spine. As described by research done through the Mayo Clinic, nerve cells called motor neurons control the muscles that allow you to move muscles of your body. ALS effects these particular neurons and produce serious neurological effects that can start as muscle weakness that eventually leadsRead MoreAnalysis Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetics Essay1364 Words   |  6 Pages Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetics Christopher Elliott Brandman University Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetics Over the past decade, the medical community’s understanding of chronic illnesses has greatly increased. This increase is the result of improvements in technology and techniques that have clarified some of the unknown mechanisms associated with disease. For example, innovations in genetic sequencing have allowed researchers to analyze the geneticRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay1181 Words   |  5 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurological disease affecting the nerves that control voluntary muscle movement. It is the most common type of motor neuron disease. The body isn’t able to operate as it normally does due to the muscles weakening overtime. As the disease progresses, it starts to damage nerves of other vital areas of the body. When the body isn’t able to breath the way it should causing respiratory failureRead MoreEssay about Amy otrophic Lateral Sclerosis2209 Words   |  9 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ABSTRACT At this time, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) is a very confusing and elusive disorder. While the clinical presentation and diagnosis of ALS dates back to the early 1900’s, with Charcot being the first to scientifically report and document his findings, there simply has not been definitive evidence since that time for the etiology for ALS. This fundamental problem has befuddled the most qualified researchers and its ensuing answer has eluded theRead MoreEssay on What is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?1064 Words   |  5 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is short for ALS, and is often referred to as â€Å"Lou Gehrig’s disease.† Lou Gehrig was born in New York in June 19, 1903. In April of 1923, Lou Gehrig signed his first contract with the New York Yankees. He played for the Yankees for 15 years and lead them to 6 World Series between 1927 and 1938. Gehrig was known as a seven-time all-star champion, for his batting average and was named twice the American Leagues MVP; He later earned the name of the Iron Horse (Lou GehrigRead MoreEssay about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1600 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a motor neuron type disease. The disease was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Though we have known of this disease and its capabilities for well over a century; there is still information that is unclear. This past decade has been successful for research, giving us new information and optimism for years ahead. New hope is arriving in thoughts that stem cell research and gene therapy will advance our knowledge for a possible cureRead MoreAls : Short For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1527 Words   |  7 PagesALS Jose Ramirez 2nd hour ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It’s sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a very deadly disease that has taken MANY people’s lives. It’s a slow and painful process. It usually starts from the bottom and works its way up north till you eventually die. It attacks your nerve cells which it eventually makes you immobile. Motor neurons located in the brain are the cells that are attacked by this deadly disease. ALS causes weakness with a wide rangeRead MoreCauses of and Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis600 Words   |  2 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the U.S. is a widely known debilitating disease that effects the upper and lower motor neurons in the nervous system. The degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons in turn cause muscle atrophy and chronic loss of muscle use. ALS is the most common of the five motor neuron disease. Heredity is a major cause of ALS but can show up in any patients. ALS usually presents itself