Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Relatively rare, between 1.5 and 2.5 people are affected out of a population of 100,000 annually [2].This disease is caused by a continuous deterioration of motor neurons that are located in the brain, brain stem, and spinal chord. This disenables signals from the brain to communicate with the muscles, disabling the extremities to function, or paralyzing them [1]. Symptoms include but are not limited to muscle tightness and weakness, slurred speech, cramps, difficulty eating, and an extreme weakness to a particular limb [Website]. The twenty-first chromosome is known to be linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis as well as the mutated superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein that is currently being studied close to determine if it has …show more content…
There is, however tests such as the Electromyography (EMG), which helps the providers uncover and abnormalities of the functioning of the electrical activity within the muscles. Another test that can be utilized is the Nerve Conduction Study (NCS), which tests for abnormalities of the sending and receiving of the nerves signals within the muscles. Physicians are able to use these tests as indicators of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, while being able to rule out other neurodegenerative disorders [Website]. Eventually, patients who are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis may develop an excessive deterioration in their muscles that prevent them from talking, eating, and ultimately breathing, causing them to pass away [1]. According to “The epidemiology and treatment of ALS...,” the Caucasian population is more likely to develop Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at a younger age and have a longer survival rate than the rest of the population. Sadly, the average survival rate for those affected with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a mere 3-5 years