Lou Gehrig's disease is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosism, or ALS. The disease was nationally recognized when pro baseball player Lou Gehrig abruptly quit the Yankees in 1939 after he was diagnosed with ALS. The degenerative nerve disease affects nerve and brain interaction. The brain slowly looses the ability to control neurons that allow muscle movement. The body eventually becomes entirely paralyzed. ALS symptoms and onset vary greatly from person to person. There is no cure for the disease; treatment improves quality of life, slows the progress of the disease and alleviates symptoms.
Treatment Options for ALS
Step 1
Take a variety of oral medications as prescribed by a physician to relieve signs and symptoms of ALS. The medications will slow the progression of the disease. Riluzol is approved by the FDA to reduce nerve damage. The drug may delay the use of a ventilator for breathing assistance by several months. Take baclofen or diazepam to control muscle spasms and stiffness. Take trihexyphenidyl or amitriptyline to control increased mucous secretions and to aid in depression.
Step 2
Participate in therapy sessions. Maintain range of motion by practicing range-of-motion exercises. Swim, bike or run to increase muscle strength and to fight depression. Learn to use speech synthesizers and computer-aided devices during speech therapy sessions.
Step 3
Use assistive devices. Devices such as canes, wheelchairs and walkers enable a person to remain mobile as muscles weaken. Discuss to what extent a patient would like a ventilator used. Breathing devices may be necessary during the night and eventually on a regular basis.
Step 4
Seek mental counseling. The person affected by ALS doesn't lose any cognitive ability. The person will be able to clearly think, see, hear and understand what is happening. The onset of depression is common.
