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Amyotrophic Lateral S clerosis. Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Introduction. - Jean-Martin Charcot discovered 1869. - Men most affected. - Still remains mostly a mystery. Diagnosis. - Difficult to diagnose due to similarity to other curable neuromuscular disorders.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Introduction - Jean-Martin Charcot discovered 1869 -Men most affected -Still remains mostly a mystery
Diagnosis - Difficult to diagnose due to similarity to other curable neuromuscular disorders - Neurological exam to look for muscle weakness - Use EMG/NCV studies and MRI to rule out other diseases
Transmission - 90% to 95% random due to no risk factors - 5% to 10% of cases are inherited/ 20% of hereditary cases due to genetic defect that causes mutation of the enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 - Not all cases due to same thing so undiscovered genetic problems must exist
Signs and Symptoms • Symptoms • Twitching • Cramping • Stiffness of muscles • Trouble with muscle coordination • Speech problems • Stay aware and intellectual • Problems swallowing • Progressively symptoms get worse and more severe
Treatment • No cure has been found • Drugs like riluzole are used to improve lives of victims • Physical therapy, physicians, and constant aid help person feel more comfortable • All just prolongs death
Source List http://www.neurologychannel.com/als/diagnosis.shtml http://als-lou-gehrigs-disease.suite101.com/article.cfm/alsamyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/detail_amyotrophiclateralsclerosis.htm