Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rather rare but extremely dangerous pathology. Such a disease is accompanied by a gradual destruction of motor neurons, which, accordingly, affects the work of muscle tissues. Unfortunately, today there is no medicine that can cure the disease. Modern medicine can only offer remedies to help stop the main symptoms.
Lou Gehrig's syndrome and its causes
To date, the causes of this pathology are unknown. Of course, many research centers do not stop actively searching for factors that can provoke sclerosis, as well as methods of effective treatment.
However, scientists have been able to identify only a few risk factors. In particular, the disease is often diagnosed in people whose body has been exposed to toxic substances for a long time, in particular s alts of heavy metals. Multiple injuries are also risk factors. Only 3-7% of patients are diagnosed with a rare form of hereditary sclerosis.
By the way, this disease got one of its names in honor of Lou Gehrig. This is a famous American baseball player who managed to fight hard for many years with the disease.
Lou Gehrig's disease and its symptoms
It is immediately worth noting that the first signs of sclerosis appear already in adulthood or old age. As already mentioned, the disease is associated with the destruction of motor neurons. Due to the lack of innervation, the muscles lose their ability to contract. As a rule, the muscle tissues of the extremities are first affected. The disease is constantly progressing, destroying the remaining nerve fibers.
Muscles gradually atrophy, due to which the patient loses the ability to move. As a rule, sick people can no longer take care of themselves - over time, it is even difficult for them to maintain their torso in an upright position.
Unfortunately, the sclerosis does not end there. Lou Gehrig's disease affects more than just skeletal muscle. At first, the pharynx suffers, as a result of which the patient cannot swallow on his own. As the progression progresses, the sclerotic process covers the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm. Thus, a person loses the ability to perform respiratory movements. At this stage of the disease, the use of a ventilator is necessary to maintain life.
Lou Gehrig's disease does not affect the functioning of the senses. A person can see, hear, taste and smell and adequately perceive information. Only in some cases is it possiblecognitive disorders.
Lou Gehrig's disease and treatments
As already mentioned, it is impossible to cure the disease today. Medicine can only offer quality care, a rehabilitation program and symptomatic therapy. To date, the drug "Riluzole" is the only more or less effective drug that can prolong the patient's life for several months or years.
In addition, painkillers are used to improve the patient's condition. In the presence of depression or panic attacks, sedatives and antidepressants are used. Regular exercise and so-called "occupational therapy" help slow down the process of muscle wasting.
The prognosis for people with this syndrome is, unfortunately, unfavorable. In most cases, the patient manages to live another 2-6 years after the onset of the first symptoms. Only in 10% of cases, the life expectancy of patients exceeds ten years.
