'Understanding ALS – Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis\r'

'Medical fib has been filled with an begin of diseases and illnesses, ranging from the everyday cold to deadly killers. almost be easily treatable and untimely(a)s give the axe be terminal, just now well-nigh of the worst be those that still remain without a regain; one such(prenominal) disease is amyotrophic squinty sclerosis.\r\nAmyotrophic asquint sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a degenerative disease affecting the human nervous system. It is a deadly disease that cripples and kills its victims payable to a breakdown in the form”s motor neurons. Motor neurons atomic number 18 nerve cells in the brainstem and spinal cord that control muscle contractions. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, these neurons deteriorate to a point that all in all movement, including breathing, halts. Muscle weakness primary develops in the muscles of body parts distant from the brain, such as the hands, and subsequently spreads through other muscle groups closer to the brain. Such early symptoms as this, however, can hardly be noticed.\r\nEarly symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ar genuinely slight and often overlooked. They begin as simple things, such as loose or dropping things. Twitching or cramping of muscles and irregular fatigue of the arms and legs may soon follow, causing difficulty in daily activities, such as move or dressing. In more right st jump ons, however, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing and swallowing ensue, until the body is all told taken over by the disease. Intellect, fondness motion, bladder function, and sensation are the solo abilities spared.\r\nWhere and how this deadly disease originated is unknow, but it was first identified in 1869, by the note French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is not contagious, but research is still dim on the cause of the disease. Today, there are three recognized forms of ALS: genetical, sporadic, and Guamanian.\r\nThe genetic form of ALS appears to be genetical or passed down within a family, and closely ten percent of ALS patients ware a family history of the disease. An abnormal gene has been located in about half these families, but the cause of the stay half is still unknown. The next, most common form, is sporadic ALS. These patients have no family history of disease, and the cause of their coming down with ALS is a mystery. Finally, is Guamanian ALS, called this because a high share of cases occur in the Pacific Islands conterminous Guam.\r\nOne major reason ALS is such a frightening disease is because no cure has been established. Although no effective discussion has been developed, a number of drug trials have been conducted, and there are some devices designed to help ALS patients hold independence as well as safety as the disease progresses. These devices implicate ankle or foot braces, cervical collars, and reclining chairs. Since there is no cure, however, the primary treatm ent is for management of symptoms.\r\nAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is excessively a difficult disease to diagnose, generally because no one test can definitely establish if the disease is present. A diagnosis includes most, if not all, of the following procedures: electrodiagnostic tests, line of descent and urinary study, thyroid and parathyroid internal secretion levels, spinal tap and imaging, and muscular or nerve biopsy.\r\nMost who develop ALS are between the ages of forty and cardinal familys of age, although cases have been reported of victims in their twenties and thirties. It was once thought to be a rare disease, but studies have shown that about 5,000 people in the fall in States are newly-diagnosed with ALS each yearâ€about 13 new cases a day! It isn estimated that about 100,000 people who are apparently well in the rustic today depart die with ALS.\r\nAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also popularly known as Lou Gehrig disease. Lou Gehrig was a famous base ball game player in the 1930″s for the mod York Yankees. Once known as baseball”s â€Å"Ironman”, Lou Gehrig was truly a sports legend. His promising career came to a screak halt, however, when he was diagnosed with ALS. The disease not entirely took away his career in baseball, but his life; Lou Gehrig died at the young age of thirty-eight.\r\nIn conclusion, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a deadly and frightening disease; its victims cannot be saved. Someday, hopefully, a cure will be developed, and the suffering this disease is causing will be stopped.\r\n'