Modern medicine is constantly evolving. Scientists are creating new medicines for previously incurable diseases. However, today specialists cannot offer adequate treatment against all ailments. One of these pathologies is ALS disease. The causes of this disease are still unexplored, and the number of patients every year only increases. In this article, we will consider this pathology, its main symptoms and treatment methods in more detail.
general information
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Charcot's disease) is a serious pathology of the nervous system, in which there is a lesion of the so-called motor neurons in the spinal cord, as well as in the cerebral cortex. This is a chronic and incurable disease that gradually leads to degeneration of the entire nervous system. In the last stages of the disease, a person becomes helpless, but at the same time he remains clarity of mind and mental health.
ALS disease, the causes and pathogenesis of which have not been fully studied, does not differ in specific diagnostic and treatment methods. Scientists today continue to actively study it. Now it is precisely known that the disease develops mainly in people aged 50 and up to about 70 years, however, cases of earlier lesions are also known.
Classification
Depending on the localization of the primary manifestations of the disease, specialists distinguish the following forms:
- Lumbosacral form (there is a violation of the motor function of the lower extremities).
- Bulbar form (some nuclei of the brain are affected, which entails paralysis of a central nature).
- Cervico-thoracic form (primary symptoms appear with changes in the usual motor function of the upper limbs).
On the other hand, experts distinguish three more types of ALS disease:
- Marian form (primary symptoms occur very early, a slow course of the disease is observed).
- The classic sporadic type (95% of all cases).
- Family type (different late manifestation and hereditary predisposition).
Why does ALS disease occur?
The causes of this disease, unfortunately, are still poorly understood. Scientists currently identify a number of factors, with the existence of which the probability of getting sick increases several times:
- mutation of the ubiquin protein;
- violation of the action of a neurotrophic factor;
- mutations of certain genes;
- increased free radical oxidation in the cells of neurons;
- the presence of an infectious agent;
- increased activity of the so-called excitatory amino acids.
ALS disease. Symptoms
Photos of patients with this ailment can be found in specialized directories. All of them are united by only one thing - the external symptoms of the disease in the later stages.
As for the primary clinical signs of pathology, they very rarely cause caution on the part of patients. Moreover, potential patients often explain them by constant stress or lack of rest from the work routine. Below we list the symptoms of the disease that appear in the early stages:
- muscle weakness;
- dysarthria (difficulty speaking);
- frequent muscle cramps;
- numbness and weakness of the limbs;
- light muscle twitching.
All these signs should alert everyone and become an occasion to contact a specialist. Otherwise, the disease will progress, which increases the likelihood of complications by several times.
Course of the disease
How does ALS develop? The disease, the symptoms of which are listed above, initially begins with muscle weakness and numbness of the limbs. If the pathology develops from the feet, then patients may have difficulty walking, constantly stammering.
If the disease manifests itself with a malfunction of the upper limbs, problems arise with the most elementary tasks (buttoning the shirt, turning the key in the lock).
How else can ALS be recognized? The causes of the disease in 25% of cases lie in the defeat of the medulla oblongata. Initially, difficulties arise with speech, and then with swallowing. All this entails problems with chewing food. As a result, a person stops eating normally and loses weight. In this regard, many patients become depressed, as the disease usually does not affect cognitive function.
Some patients have difficulties with the formation of words and even a normal concentration of attention. Minor disturbances of this kind are most often explained by poor breathing at night. Medical workers should already tell the patient about the features of the course of the disease, treatment options, so that he can make an informed decision about his future in advance.
Most patients die from respiratory failure or pneumonia. As a rule, a fatal outcome occurs five years after the confirmation of the disease.
Diagnostics
Confirm the presence of this disease can only be a specialist. In this matter, the primary role is given to the competent interpretation of the existing clinical picture in a particular patient. Differential diagnosis of ALS disease is crucial.
- Electromyography. This method allows you to confirm the presence of fasciculation at an early stage of its development. During this procedure, a specialist examines the electrical activity of muscles.
- MRI allows you to identify pathological lesions and evaluate the functioning of all nerve structures.
What should be the treatment?
Unfortunately, medicine today cannot offer effective therapy against this ailment. How can I overcome ALS? Treatment should be aimed primarily at slowing down the pathology. For these purposes, the following activities are used:
- special limb massage;
- in case of failure of the respiratory muscles, mechanical ventilation is prescribed;
- in case of development of a depressive state, tranquilizers and antidepressants are recommended. In each case, drugs are prescribed individually;
- joint pains are stopped by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Finlepsin);
- Today, experts offer all patients the drug "Riluzol." It has a proven effect and is an inhibitor of the release of so-called glutamic acid. When ingested, the drug reduces damage to neurons. However, even this remedy is not able to completely cure the patient, it only slows down the course of ALS disease;
- To facilitate the movement of the patient, special devices (canes, chairs) and collars are used to completely fix the neck.
Stem cell treatment
In many European countries, patients with ALS are currently treated with their own stem cells, which also helps to slow the development of the disease. This kind of therapy is aimed at improving the primary functions of the brain. Stem cells transplanted into the area of damage restore neurons, improve the supply of oxygen to the brain and promote the appearance of new blood vessels.
Isolation of the stem cells themselves and their direct transplantation, as a rule, are carried out on an outpatient basis. After therapy, the patient is in the hospital for another 2 days, where specialists monitor his condition.
During the procedure, the cells are introduced into the cerebrospinal fluid through lumbar puncture. Outside the body, they are not allowed to reproduce on their own, and reimplantation is carried out only after detailed cleaning.
It is important to note that this kind of therapy can significantly slow down ALS disease. Photos of patients 5-6 months after the procedure clearly prove this statement. She will not help to completely get rid of the disease. Unfortunately, such cases have been recorded when treatment does not give any effect at all.
Conclusion
The prognosis of this disease is almost always unfavorable. The progression of motor disorders inevitably leads to death (2-6 years).
In this article, we talked about what a pathology like ALS is. A disease whose symptoms may not appear for a long time is currently not completely cured. Scientists around the world continue to actively study this ailment, its causes and speed of development, trying to find an effective drug.