In 1869, the French psychiatrist Charcot made an accurate description of such a disease as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
What is this disease
With the development of this disease, degeneration of the peripheral and central neurons of the main pathway of the nervous system occurs. In this case, some elements are replaced by glia. The pyramidal bundle is usually affected much more strongly in the lateral columns. Hence the epithet - lateral. As for the peripheral neuron, it is very strongly affected in the region of the anterior horns. That is why the disease is accompanied by another epithet - amyotrophic. At the same time, the name accurately emphasizes one of the clinical signs of the disease - muscle atrophy. ALS syndrome is a rather severe disease. It is worth noting that the name that Charcot gave to the disease reflects as much as possible all its characteristic features: the symptoms of damage to the pyramidal bundle located in the lateral column are combined with muscle atrophy.
Symptoms of disease
Today, many people are forced to live with such an ailment as ALS syndrome. The symptoms of this disease are completely different. It should be noted that common featurespractically no disease. ALS develops individually. At an early stage, there are some signs that allow you to determine the development of this disease.
- Motor disorders. The patient begins to stumble very often, drop things and fall as a result of weakening, as well as partial muscle atrophy. In some cases, soft tissues simply become numb.
- Speech impairment.
- Muscle cramps. Most often, this phenomenon occurs in the calf area.
- Fasciculation is a slight muscle twitching. Often this phenomenon is described as "goosebumps". Fasciculation usually appears on the palms.
- Partial noticeable atrophy of the muscle tissue of the legs and arms. Especially often, such processes begin in the region of the shoulder girdle: the collarbone, shoulder blades and shoulders.
ALS syndrome develops in each person in his own way. This disease is very difficult to diagnose in the early stages. If a person has some signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but the diagnosis is not confirmed, then the patient may suffer from a completely different ailment.
Other signs of ALS
ALS syndrome is characterized by progressive development. In other words, the atrophy and weakening of the muscle tissues listed above only increase. If a person has difficulty fastening buttons, then over time he simply will not be able to do it at all. This applies to other skills as well.
Gradually the patient loses the ability to walk. At first, he may need a regular walker, and in the future - a wheelchair. In addition, weakenedmuscles will not be able to support the patient's head in the desired position. She will always sink to her chest. If the disease covers the muscles of the entire body, then a person will practically not be able to get out of bed, stay in a sitting position for a long time, and also roll over from side to side.
As for speech, there will also be problems. The patient gradually develops ALS syndrome. Symptoms of this disease can be completely different. At the initial stage, the patient begins to speak "in the nose." His speech becomes less and less clear. As a result, it may disappear altogether. Although many patients retain the ability to speak for the rest of their lives.
Other difficulties
If the diagnosis is made, and the disease is ALS syndrome, then the relatives of the patient should prepare for great difficulties. In addition to the fact that a person almost completely loses the ability to move, he also begins to have problems with meals. In some cases, increased salivation may begin. This phenomenon also causes many inconveniences and can be very dangerous. After all, while eating, the patient can swallow saliva in large quantities. Enteral nutrition may be required at some point.
Gradually there are various disorders associated with the work of the respiratory system. This can lead to respiratory failure. Such diseases of the central nervous system bring many problems. Often, patients experience headache and shortness of breath. Very often, people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis suffer fromnightmares. There are cases when, due to a lack of oxygen, the patient begins to hallucinate, as well as a feeling of disorientation.
Why amyotrophic lateral sclerosis occurs
Many clinicians view this disease as a degenerative process. However, the true causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are still unknown. Some experts believe that this disease is an infection that is caused by a filter virus. ALS syndrome is a relatively rare disease that begins to develop in a person around the age of 50.
As for doctors with considerable experience, they are accustomed to dividing all organic diseases of the spinal cord into diffuse and systemic. As for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, only the motor pathways are affected here, but the sensitive ones remain completely normal. As a result of histopathological studies, some corrections were made to the previous understanding of systemic lesions.
So how can one explain the development of this or that pathology of the brain and spinal cord? Apparently, with a certain disease, systemicity depends on some factors.
- The special similarity of a toxin or a virus with a certain nerve formation. And this is quite possible. After all, toxins have completely different chemical characteristics. In addition, the central nervous system is far from homogeneous in this regard. Could this be the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
- Also, illness canarise as a result of the specifics of the blood supply to some parts of the human nervous system.
- The reason may be the peculiarities of lymph circulation in the spinal canal and liquor circulation in the central nervous system.
So, why does ALS occur? The reasons are still unknown. And scientists around the world are only speculating.
Diagnosis of disease
In most cases, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes some difficulties. After all, the disease is distinguished by changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, etiology, the presence of neurosyphilitic, most often pupillary symptoms. Diagnosing ALS syndrome is difficult for several reasons.
- This is a fairly rare disease.
- Every person's illness strikes differently. In this case, there are not so many common symptoms.
- Early symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be mild, such as slightly drawn-out speech, awkwardness in the hands, clumsiness. At the same time, the listed signs may be the result of other diseases.
However, when diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it should be remembered that many diseases occur with selective damage to motor structures. With ALS syndrome, the patient may experience pain in the neck area, as well as protein-cell dissociation of the cerebrospinal fluid, a block on the myelogram, and loss of sensitivity.
If the doctor has suspicions, he should refer the patient to a neurologist. And only after that it may be necessary to go through a seriesdiagnostic studies.
ALS treatment
As already mentioned, ALS syndrome is an incurable disease. Therefore, there is still no cure for this disease in the world. However, there are many remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms. For example, in Europe and the USA, the drug "Riluzole" is used. This is the first and only drug that has been approved. However, in our country, this drug has not yet been registered. The doctor cannot officially recommend it. It is worth noting that this remedy does not relieve the disease. However, it is it that affects the life expectancy of patients with ALS syndrome. This drug is available in tablets. Take it several times a day. Read the leaflet carefully before use.
How Riluzole works
When a nerve impulse is transmitted, glutamate is released. This substance is a chemical mediator in the central nervous system. The drug "Riluzole" allows you to reduce the amount of glutamate. Studies have shown that an excess of this substance can lead to damage to the neurons of the spinal cord and brain.
Clinical trials of the drug have shown that those patients who take Riluzole live much longer than others. At the same time, their life expectancy increased by about 3 months (compared to those who took placebo).
Antioxidants against disease
Since the causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have not yet been established, there is no cure for the disease. Scientists believe thatpeople with ALS are more susceptible to the negative effects of free radicals. Recently, special studies have begun to be carried out, which are aimed at identifying all the beneficial effects exerted on the body as a result of taking supplements that contain antioxidants. Before using such drugs, you must consult with specialists.
Antioxidants are a separate class of nutrients that help the human body prevent all sorts of damage from free radicals. However, some supplements that have already passed clinical trials, alas, did not give the expected positive effect. Unfortunately, some diseases of the central nervous system simply cannot be cured. However you want it.
Concomitant Therapy
Concomitant therapies make life easier for those with ALS. The treatment of this disease is a rather lengthy process. Therefore, it is important not only to treat the underlying disease, but also the accompanying symptoms. Experts believe that complete relaxation allows you to forget about fear and relieve anxiety at least for a while.
To relax the patient's muscles, you can use reflexology, aromatherapy and massage. These procedures normalize the circulation of lymph and blood, and also allow you to get rid of pain. After all, during their implementation, stimulation of endogenous painkillers and endorphins occurs. However, each violation of the central nervous system requires an individual approach. Therefore, before starting a course of procedures, you should go throughexamination by specialists.
In conclusion
Today, there are many incurable diseases. This is what ALS syndrome is about. Photos of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are simply shocking. These people have suffered a lot, but in spite of everything, they live. Of course, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, but there are many methods to eliminate some of the symptoms. The main thing to remember is that a person suffering from ALS syndrome needs help and constant supervision. If you do not have the necessary skills, you can seek help from specialists in a subspeci alty and physical therapists.
