Lou Gehrigs Disease

Lou Gehrigs Disease

Also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.

Affects approximately 5 out of every 100,000 people worldwide.

Lou Gehrig's disease usually affects adults between 40 and 70.

Lou Gehrigs DiseaseIts a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord that control muscle movement

Lou Gehrig's disease damages spinal cord pathways and motor neurons, which are important parts of the body's neuromuscular system.

Over time, Lou Gehrig's disease causes these motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to shrink and disappear, so that the muscles no longer receive signals to move.What is Lou Gehrigs disease?

Areas Affected

Areas Affected

Augustus Volney Waller was the first to observe shriveled up nerves in 1816

Lou Gehrig's Disease was first discovered in 1869 by a French neurologist named Jean-Martin Charcot

Through observation of his patients Charcot was able to diagnose it

Who discovered it?In about 10% of cases, Lou Gehrigs Disease is caused by a genetic defect

Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the recent years have brought new scientific understanding regarding the physiology of this disease.

A new study identified the malfunctioning of protein recycling systems in the neurons of the brain and spinal cord as the underlying cause of all types of ALS,

CausesLou Gehrig's disease can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the symptoms are similar to many other disorders

A physical examination of strength shows weakness, often beginning in one area. There may be muscle tremors, spasms, twitching, or loss of muscle tissue

Doctors may test reflexes to check if there is a loss in the gag reflex How can it be diagnosed?Blood tests to rule out other conditions

Cervical spine CTor MRI to be sure there is no disease or injury to the neck, which can mimic ALS

Genetic testing, if there is a family history of ALS

Tests that may be doneDifficulty breathing and swallowingHead drop due to weakness of the neck musclesMuscle crampsMuscle contractionsMuscle weaknessthat slowly gets worseParalysisSpeech problems, such as a slow or abnormal speech pattern Voice changes, hoarsenessWeight lossSymptoms

Muscle contractionsPerson with Lou Gehrigs Disease

There is no known cure for ALS. The first drug treatment for the disease is a medicine called Riluzole. Riluzole slows the disease progression and prolongs life.Other treatments may include physical and speech therapy

Treatment

"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - PubMed Health." Web. 22 Nov. 2011. . Monday, Meredith Melnick. "Researchers Discover Underlying Cause of Lou Gehrigs Disease TIME Healthland." TIME Healthland - A Healthy Balance of the Mind, Body and Spirit. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. . "UC Davis Department of Neurology - Lou Gehrig's Disease." Web. 22 Nov. 2011. .

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