Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):
General Information:
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The famous New York Yankees baseball player Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS, and the disease is now commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. As the disease progresses, the motor neurons degenerate and eventually die. As a result of the death of the motor neurons, voluntary movement and control of the muscles is lost. In the latter stages of the disease, patients are often paralyzed, although their mind remains unaffected. All proceeds from the race will be donated to the South Carolina Chapter of the ALS Association to support patients with ALS and to advance research for this disease.
General Signs and Symptoms:
- General muscle weakness and decreased coordination
- Abnormal reflexes
- Muscle spasms, tremors, atrophy
- Loss of muscle mass causes limbs to become thin
- Speech impairment with slow or abnormal speech
- Changes in the voice or hoarseness
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Difficulty with breathing (it takes a lot of effort to breathe at times)
Quick Facts About ALS:
- The onset is insidious with muscle weakness or stiffness as early symptoms
- ALS is not contagious
- It is estimated that ALS is responsible for nearly 2 deaths/100,000 people annually.
- More people die every year of ALS than of Huntington's disease or multiple sclerosis.
- The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis
- But, this disease is variable and many people live with a high quality of life for five years or more.
- ALS is directly hereditary in only 10% of families.
- The majority of patients with adult-onset ALS (90%) have no family history of ALS, and present as an isolated case.
- Present treatment of ALS includes one drug, riluzole (Rilutek©) and is aimed at symptomatic relief, prevention of complications and maintenance of maximum optimal function and optimal quality of life.
- There can be significant costs for medical care, equipment and home health caregiving later in the disease.
- ALS can strike anyone
What physical therapists can do to treat ALS:
Physical therapists can help people with ALS in many different ways. Their goals are to maximize existing capabilities and prevent further loss and pain. Physical therapists do this by:
- Conducting an initial assessment of the patient to obtain information on their muscle strength, flexbility, coordination, mobility, and balance
- Instruction, education, and training of patients regarding their condition and impairments, risk factors, and functional limitations
- Aerobic and endurance conditioning such as walking and aquatic programs
- Body mechanics and postural stabilization
- Flexibility exercises for range of motion
- Balance and coordination training for motor function, sensory training, and vestibular purposes
- Relaxation techniques
- Activities of daily living training
- Manual therapies such as traction, massage, and soft tissue mobilizations to improve range of motion and decrease pain
- Physical agents including hydrotherapy and thermotherapy to reduce any swelling, decrease pain, and increase circulation
- Educating proper use of assistive devices, braces, orthotics, or other mobility devices in order to maximize independence and function
Expected outcomes of PT:
- Improved ability to perform physical actions, tasks, or activities
- Behaviors that foster healthy habits, wellness, and prevention
- Functional independence in activities of daily living
- Reduced risk of a secondary impairment
- Self-management of symptoms is improved