Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rather rare, but extremely dangerous pathology. Such a disease is accompanied by a gradual destruction of motor neurons, which, accordingly, affects the work of muscle tissue. Unfortunately, today there is no medicine that can cure the disease. Modern medicine can only offer remedies that help stop the main symptoms.
Lou Gehrig's syndrome and its causes
To date, the causes of such a pathology are unknown. Of course, many research centers do not stop actively searching for factors that can provoke sclerosis, as well as methods of effective treatment.
Nevertheless, scientists managed to find out only some risk factors. In particular, the disease is often diagnosed in people whose body has been exposed to toxic substances for a long time, in particular heavy metal salts. Risk factors include numerous injuries. Only 3-7% of patients are diagnosed with a rare form of hereditary sclerosis.
By the way, this disease received one of its names in honor of Lou Gehrig. This is a famous American baseball player, who for many years managed to stubbornly fight the disease.
Lou Gehrig's disease and its symptoms
It is immediately worth noting that the first signs of sclerosis appear already in adulthood or old age. As already mentioned, the disease is associated with the destruction of motor neurons. Due to the lack of innervation, the muscles lose their ability to contract. As a rule, muscle tissue of the extremities is primarily affected. The disease is constantly progressing, destroying the remaining nerve fibers.
Muscles gradually atrophy, due to which the patient loses the ability to move. As a rule, sick people can no longer take care of themselves - over time, it is even difficult for them to maintain the body in an upright position.
Unfortunately, sclerosis does not end there. Lou Gehrig’s disease affects not only skeletal muscle. At first, the pharynx suffers, as a result of which the patient cannot swallow on his own. As the sclerotic process progresses, it covers the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm. Thus, a person loses the ability to perform respiratory movements. At this stage of the disease, the use of an artificial lung ventilation apparatus is necessary to maintain vital functions .
Lou Gehrig’s disease does not affect the functioning of the senses. A person can see, hear, feel the taste and smell and adequately perceive information. Only in some cases are cognitive impairments possible .
Lou Gehrig's disease and treatment methods
As already mentioned, it is impossible to cure the disease today. Medicine can offer only quality care, a rehabilitation program and symptomatic therapy. To date, the drug "Riluzole" is the only more or less effective drug that allows you to extend the life of the patient for several months or years.
In addition, painkillers are used that improve the patient's condition. In the presence of depression or panic attacks, sedatives and antidepressants are used. Regular exercise and the so-called "occupational therapy" help slow down the process of muscle atrophy.
The prognosis for people with this syndrome, unfortunately, is unfavorable. In most cases, the patient manages to live another 2-6 years after the onset of the first symptoms. Only in 10% of cases, the life expectancy of patients exceeds ten years.