In 1869, the French psychiatrist Charcot compiled an accurate description of a disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
What is this disease
With the development of this disease, degeneration of the peripheral and central neurons of the main pathway of the nervous system occurs. However, some elements are replaced by glia. The pyramidal bundle is usually affected much more precisely in the side pillars. Hence the epithet - lateral. As for the peripheral neuron, it is very affected in the area of the front horns. That is why the disease is accompanied by another epithet - amyotrophic. Moreover, the name precisely emphasizes one of the clinical signs of the disease - muscle atrophy. ALS syndrome is a rather serious disease. It is worth noting that the name that gave Charcot's ailment reflects all its characteristic features as much as possible: symptoms of damage to the pyramidal bundle located in the side column are combined with muscle atrophy.
Symptoms of the disease
Today, many people are forced to live with such an ailment as ALS syndrome. Symptoms of this disease are completely diverse. It is worth noting that the disease has practically no common signs. UAS develops individually. At an early stage, there are some signs that allow you to determine the development of this disease.
- Motor disorders. The patient begins to stumble very often, drop things and fall as a result of weakening, as well as partial muscle atrophy. In some cases, soft tissue just goes numb.
- Speech impairment.
- Muscle cramps. Most often, this phenomenon occurs in the calf area.
- Fasciculation is a slight twitching of the muscles. Often this phenomenon is described as "goosebumps." Fasciculation usually appears on the palms.
- Partial noticeable atrophy of the muscle tissue of the legs and arms. Especially often, such processes begin in the area of the shoulder girdle: clavicle, shoulder blades and shoulders.
ALS syndrome develops in each person in their own way. This disease is very difficult to diagnose in the early stages. If a person has some signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but the diagnosis is not confirmed, then the patient may suffer from a completely different ailment.
Other signs of ALS
ALS syndrome is characterized by progressive development. In other words, atrophy and weakening of the above muscle tissue only intensifies. If a person hardly buttoned up buttons, then over time he simply will not be able to do this at all. This also applies to other skills.
Gradually, the patient loses the ability to walk. At first, he may need ordinary walkers, and later on - a wheelchair. In addition, weakened muscles will not be able to support the patient’s head in the right position. She will always sink to her chest. If the disease covers the muscles of the entire body, then a person will practically not be able to get out of bed, be in a sitting position for a long time, and also roll over from side to side.
As for speech, there will also be problems. The patient gradually develops ALS syndrome. Symptoms of this ailment can be completely different. At the initial stage, the patient begins to say "in the nose." His speech is becoming less distinct. As a result, it may disappear altogether. Although many patients retain the ability to speak until the end of their lives.
Other difficulties
If the diagnosis is made, and the disease is ALS syndrome, then the patient’s relatives should prepare for great difficulties. In addition to the fact that a person almost completely loses the ability to move, he begins to have problems with meals. In some cases, increased salivation may begin. This phenomenon also causes many inconveniences and can be very dangerous. After all, during a meal, the patient can swallow saliva in large quantities. Enteral nutrition may be required at some point.
Gradually, various disorders associated with the work of the respiratory system. Because of this, respiratory failure can begin. Similar diseases of the central nervous system bring many problems. Often, patients experience headache and suffocation. Very often, people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis suffer from nightmares. There are times when, due to a lack of oxygen, the patient begins to hallucinate, as well as a feeling of disorientation.
Why does amyotrophic lateral sclerosis occur?
Many clinicians consider this disease as a degenerative process. However, the true causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are still unknown. Some experts believe that this disease is an infection that is caused by a filtering virus. ALS syndrome is a relatively rare disease that begins to develop in humans at about 50 years old.
As for doctors with considerable experience, they are used to dividing all organic diseases of the spinal cord into diffuse and systemic ones. As for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, only the motor pathways are affected here, but the sensitive ones remain completely normal. As a result of histopathological studies, some amendments were made to the previous idea of systemic lesions.
So how can one explain the development of a particular pathology of the brain and spinal cord? Apparently, with a certain disease, systematicity depends on some factors.
- The particular similarity of a toxin or a virus with a certain neural formation. And it is quite possible. After all, toxins have completely different chemical characteristics. In addition, the central nervous system is far from homogeneous in this regard. Perhaps this is the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
- Also, the disease can arise as a result of the specificity of the blood supply to some parts of the human nervous system.
- The reason may be the features of lymph circulation in the spinal canal and cerebrospinal fluid circulation in the central nervous system.
So, why does ALS syndrome occur ? The reasons are still unknown. And scientists from all over the world are only making assumptions.
Diagnosis of the disease
In most cases, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes some difficulties. After all, the disease is characterized by changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, etiology, the presence of neurosyphilitic, most often pupil symptoms. Diagnosing ALS syndrome is difficult for several reasons.
- This is a fairly rare disease.
- The disease of each person affects in different ways. In this case, there are not so many common symptoms.
- The early symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be mild, for example, slightly stretched speech, awkwardness in the hands, clumsiness. Moreover, the listed symptoms may be a consequence of other diseases.
However, in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it should be remembered that many diseases occur with selective damage to the motor structures. With ALS syndrome, the patient may experience pain in the neck, as well as protein-cell dissociation of cerebrospinal fluid, a block on the myelogram and loss of sensitivity.
If the doctor has suspicions, then he should refer the patient to a neurologist. And only after that it may be necessary to undergo a series of diagnostic studies.
ALS treatment
As already said, ALS syndrome is an incurable disease. Therefore, in the world there is still no cure for this ailment. However, there are many remedies that can eliminate the symptoms. For example, in Europe and the United States use the drug "Riluzole." This is the first and only drug that has been approved. However, in our country this drug has not yet been registered. The doctor cannot officially recommend it. It is worth noting that this tool does not eliminate the disease. However, it is it that affects the life expectancy of patients with ALS syndrome. This drug is available in tablets. Take it several times a day. Before use, it is worthwhile to carefully study the leaflet.
How does Riluzol work?
When a nerve impulse is transmitted, glutamate is released. This substance is a chemical mediator in the central nervous system. The drug "Riluzole" can reduce the amount of glutamate. Studies have shown that an excess of this substance can lead to damage to neurons of the spinal cord and brain.
Clinical trials of the drug showed that those patients who take the drug "Riluzole" live much longer than the rest. However, their life expectancy increased by about 3 months (compared with those who took a placebo).
Antioxidants Against Ailment
Since the causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have not yet been established, there is no cure for the disease. Scientists believe that people with ALS are more susceptible to the negative effects of free radicals. Recently, they began to conduct special studies that are aimed at identifying all the beneficial effects exerted on the body as a result of taking supplements containing antioxidants. Before using such drugs, you need to consult a specialist.
Antioxidants are a separate class of nutrients that help the human body prevent all kinds of damage from free radicals. However, some supplements that have already passed clinical trials, alas, did not produce the expected positive effect. Unfortunately, some diseases of the central nervous system simply cannot be cured. No matter how you want it.
Concomitant therapy
Concomitant therapy can significantly facilitate the life of those who have ALS syndrome. The treatment of this disease is a long process. Therefore, it is important not only the therapy of the underlying disease, but also concomitant symptoms. Experts believe that complete relaxation allows you to forget about fear and relieve anxiety at least temporarily.
To relax the muscles of the patient, you can use reflexology, aromatherapy and massage. These procedures normalize the circulation of lymph and blood, and also allow you to get rid of pain. Indeed, when they are carried out, stimulation of endogenous painkillers and endorphins occurs. However, each violation of the central nervous system requires an individual approach. Therefore, before the start of the course of procedures should be examined by specialists.
Finally
Today, there are many incurable diseases. This is exactly what ALS syndrome refers to. Photos of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are simply shocked. These people suffered a lot of suffering, but, in spite of everything, they live. Of course, it is impossible to completely get rid of the ailment, but there are many methods that can eliminate some symptoms. The main thing to remember is that a person suffering from ALS syndrome needs help and constant supervision. If you do not have the necessary skills, then you can turn to narrow specialists and physiotherapists for help.