Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and progressive loss of the ability to move the muscles.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. It is part of a group of neurodegenerative diseases that include conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
ALS is a disease of the motor neuron that causes nerve cell death responsible for controlling the muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and difficulty performing everyday activities such as walking, talking, swallowing and breathing.
ALS is a rare disease and does not yet have a cure, but there are treatments that can help improve patients' quality of life and delay the progression of symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The most common symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis include progressive muscle weakness in the extremities, speech problems, and swallowing disorders. The ALS patients They may also experience muscle fatigue, cramps, and difficulty breathing. Weakness from ALS usually starts in one of the extremities, such as an arm or leg, and then spreads to other areas of the body.
As the disease progresses, patients may experience increasing muscle weakness and may lose the ability to move and perform everyday activities such as walking, talking, and swallowing. The ALS is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms worsen over time and can eventually result in complete paralysis.
Although ALS is a fatal disease, the life span of ALS patients varies widely, and some patients can live several years with the disease.
How does ALS affect the spinal cord?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. In the spinal cord, ALS damages nerve structures responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the body's muscles. The motor neurons are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements, and when they are damaged, signal transmission is disrupted, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis.
Over time, the spinal cord atrophies and loses its ability to send effective signals to the muscles. This leads to a progressive loss of motor function and a decreased ability to move and perform daily activities.
Diseases that are confused with ALS
Neurodegenerative diseases can be very similar in their symptoms and, therefore, can be confused with a particular disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a clear example of this.
ALS is easily confused with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), which is also known as Progressive Lateral Sclerosis. PLS also affects the nerves and muscles, although its progression is slower and the symptoms are different. PLS begins in the leg muscles and extends to the muscles of the trunk and arms.
Another disease that can be confused with ALS is Postpolio Syndrome, which is a condition that affects people who have previously had polio. Postpolio syndrome is characterized by muscle fatigue, muscle weakness and pain.
The Progressive Bulbar Palsy It is another disease that can be confused with ALS. This disease affects the muscles of the mouth, throat, and tongue, making it difficult to speak, swallow, and breathe.
Lastly, the Progressive Muscular Atrophy It is another disease that can be confused with ALS. Progressive muscular atrophy is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Although ALS and these diseases share certain symptoms, each of them has its own pattern of evolution and specific symptoms. Therefore, it is important that a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis be performed so that appropriate treatment can be received.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: diagnosis and treatment
Although ALS is an incurable disease, there are treatments available that can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life of people who suffer from it. Therefore, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis and follow a treatment plan under the supervision of a doctor.
He ALS diagnosis It is performed through a combination of clinical, neurological and imaging tests. Some of the tests that may be used include electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies. Doctors can also evaluate the patient's symptoms and medical history to determine if they likely have ALS.
Although there is no cure, there are treatments that can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life of people who suffer from ALS. Some of these treatments include:
- Physical and occupational therapy: These treatments can help improve mobility and muscle strength, as well as maintain respiratory function.
- Assistive devices: Such as ventilators and wheelchairs, these can help people with ALS do everyday activities more easily and comfortably.
- Medications: Some medications can help control ALS symptoms, such as fatigue and pain.
- Nutrition and hydration: It is important to maintain a balanced and adequate diet to maintain a healthy weight and prevent malnutrition.
- Psychological therapy: Psychological therapy can help people with ALS and their loved ones deal with stress and anxiety related to the disease.
In it Advanced Spine Surgery Institute (ICAC) We have spine doctors who can help make an accurate diagnosis of ALS and provide effective treatment for symptoms. Additionally, our medical team is trained to recommend complementary treatments and assistive devices to improve patients' mobility and respiratory function.
If you present any symptoms related to ALS or any neurodegenerative disease, do not hesitate to request a private appointment with us.
21 thoughts on “Esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: síntomas y diagnóstico”
Hello, how would I have known before that my son with multiple sclerosis, with treatment and other medical aid, could not survive alone, he lived for three years but I enjoyed the disease the most, as we contract it in the body, clarify a question for me, could your daughter give him that disease please?
Hello Betilde, we are very sorry for your loss.
Although MS is not hereditary, those who have a first-degree relative who suffers from the disease have a higher risk of developing this pathology.
Greetings
Hi, I think my mom has that. Any medical center in Argentina?
Hello Alexis,
We don't know of any, we hope someone can help you.
Greetings.
They are studying me for possible ALS
Hello good morning
They have a center in agreement in Colombia
Where can they carry out an assessment and follow-up of the disease?
Hello Dairys,
Unfortunately we are not yet present in Colombia.
Although we know that there are excellent professionals in the country who can surely serve you in the best way.
Greetings
In Mexico is there an ELA help center?
Hello Jose,
Unfortunately we do not know of any center.
We hope you get help.
Greetings
Hello José Ángeles,
My sister is being supported by two associations in Mexico City.
GILA and FYADEMAC.
There is no cure but they are helping to obtain a cheaper equivalent of Riluzole, unfortunately government institutions cannot provide the medication.
He is also receiving psychological help.
A lot of strength,
Greetings Silvia Suárez
Weeks ago. I started having pain and immobility in my neck afterwards. I started with shortness of breath. Dry mouth and difficulty passing saliva, I have weakness all over my face. Throat, neck and arms I find it difficult to do any activity. No neurologist has been able to diagnose me, they say I have an anxiety problem. What can I do? Do I have symptoms of this disease?
Hello noe,
It is important to insist on other opinions to find the diagnosis. Some tests that can guide the diagnosis are electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies.
Greetings.
Hello José Ángeles,
My sister is being supported by two associations in Mexico City.
GILA and FYADEMAC.
There is no cure but they are helping to obtain a cheaper equivalent of Riluzole, unfortunately government institutions cannot provide the medication.
He is also receiving psychological help.
A lot of strength,
Greetings Silvia Suárez
I have a question... a family member was told that he had a supposed case of ALS and they sent him riluzole without being clear about it... How does it affect you if it turns out that you have nothing?
Hi Ramona,
You should consult with your specialist about possible adverse effects of the treatment. The specialist evaluates the risks and recommends according to the particular case.
Greetings!
Hello, I wanted to consult. Eight months ago I began to have muscle pain in all four limbs, contractures and fasciculations, and mild dysphagia.
I have had 2 electromyograms and multiple blood tests and everything is fine.
Could I rule out ALS with two clean EMGs from 4 limbs and one bulbar?
Thank you so much
Hi Nicolas,
Yes, two clean EMGs in all four extremities and bulbar region are strong clues to rule out ALS. Consult a neurologist to evaluate other possible causes of your symptoms.
Greetings
After my husband Lou Gehrig's disease diagnosis, our primary care provider introduced us to Uine Health Center and their ALS/MND Formula protocol, the ALS/MND treatment has made a tremendous difference for my husband. His symptoms including numbness and muscle weakness all disappeared after the treatment plan!
Hi Grace,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're glad to hear that your husband has found a treatment that has made a positive difference in his quality of life. Each case of ALS/MND is unique, and having an appropriate treatment plan can be essential for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
If at any point you need additional guidance or would like to explore more care options, our team is here to help you.
Hello, good afternoon. I have problems. I began to lose mobility in my left leg, and then strength in my legs and arms. When I walk, I walk a little crooked. I feel like my spine is stuck. I had several spinal MRIs and they came out fine. Another cervical MRI came out and they found some small compressions and also an electrogram. It showed that my entire body has signals. There is only one part of my left leg that has a delay of 10% and the comment is that I have muscle wasting. How likely is it that I have ALS?
Hello Jose,
Thank you so much for sharing your situation. We understand your concern, and it's completely valid that you're seeking clarity. The symptoms you describe could be due to various neuromuscular causes, not necessarily ALS. The fact that tests like MRIs and EMGs don't show significant abnormalities in most of your body is a good sign.
However, to give you an accurate opinion, it would be necessary to review all the tests together and perform a complete clinical evaluation. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team by calling 91 005 39 00. We are here to help you find answers and the best possible treatment.
Greetings.