Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a disease that damages the nerves in brain responsible for normal voluntary muscle movement, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, can be caused by a genetic defect, and is characterized by the atrophy and death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The condition slowly progresses until all of the muscles in the body are unable to move properly. Patients usually pass away when the muscles responsible for breathing stop working. There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments that help relieve the symptoms of ALS and prolong the patient’s life.
Riluzole
The only medication that has proven effective in combating ALS is riluzole, according to MayoClinic.com. Riluzole is marketed as Rilutek and is the first medication to be manufactured for ALS. The drug seems to slow the progression of the disease in many patients. The drug most probably works by reducing the levels of glutamate in the brain and nervous system. Glutamate is a neurological chemical that inhibits transmission of signals to the muscles from the brain. Riluzole does not cure ALS, but does prolong life.
Antispasmodic Medication
Usually doctors prescribe medications to relieve the paralysis associated with ALS. The paralysis is spastic, or caused by the excessive and prolonged contraction of the muscles. Doctors often prescribe antispasmodic medications such as baclofen or diazepam. These drugs help relax the muscles and allow the patient to breathe and move more easily. Antispasmodic drugs greatly improve the patient’s quality of life.
Speech Therapy
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can impede proper communication by adversely affecting the muscles required for speech, states MayoClinic.com. Speech therapists can help patients develop techniques to make their speech more clear. As the disease progresses, the therapists can recommend devices to help the patients communicate. Speech devices include speech synthesizers and specialized computers.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an essential part of the treatment regimen for ALS, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Physical therapy can help strengthen and increase muscle contraction to help prevent the disability common in ALS patients. In advanced cases of the disease, the use of braces, wheelchairs and other orthopedic devices can be provided by the physical therapist to maximize muscle support and improve overall health.
