The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that in the United States, doctors diagnose about 5,000 people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis each year. The neurons in the brains of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients die, affecting neural communication to the muscles. MedlinePlus explains that no cure exists for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Treatment, such as rehabilitation, focuses on the symptoms and helping patients function.
Symptoms
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes problems with mobility. For example, patients can have muscle weakness, which MedlinePlus notes starts in one part of the body, such as the hand or arm. As this muscle weakness progresses, patients can have problems with walking, climbing and lifting objects. Paralysis and muscle cramps may occur. Muscle weakness in the neck may result in patients dropping their head. Muscular problems can also result in breathing and swallowing problems, a slow speech pattern and voice changes. Other symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis include weight loss, drooling, muscle spasms, muscle contractions and swelling in the legs, feet and ankles.
Rehabilitation Team
The Ohio State University Medical Center points out that rehabilitation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis involves multiple medical professionals. For example, the rehabilitation team can consist of a neurologist, psychologist, rehabilitation nurse, physiatrist and orthopedist. Different types of therapists, like a physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist, are also part of the team. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients may need a dietitian to help with weight loss. The rehabilitation team may also include professionals like a chaplain who can provide emotional support to a patient with a religious affiliation.
Rehabilitation Programs
The rehabilitation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients focuses on their mobility problems. MedlinePlus notes that since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis does not cause problems with cognitive functions, bladder and bowel control or the five senses, patients do not need rehabilitation services in those areas. The Ohio State University Medical Center explains that rehabilitation can include an exercise program, which helps to improve movement, prevent weakness and manage spasms. The exercise program may also include activities for muscle balance. If a patient develops anxiety and depression, she may benefit from counseling. MayoClinic.com adds that patients may attend occupational therapy, in which they learn how to use supportive devices like a brace. Other programs include speech therapy, nutritional counseling, education on the disease and goal setting for the patient.
Effects
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients can benefit from rehabilitation as part of their treatment. In the Revista de Neurologia article "The Importance of Multifactorial Rehabilitation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis," L. Gomez Fernandez and D.J. Calzada Sierra conducted a rehabilitation program for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients that lasted 41 hours a week for four weeks. The results of the study showed that patients had an improvement in functioning without any complications occurring.
Prognosis
While rehabilitation can help patients improve their functioning, it does not delay the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. MedlinePlus explains that many patients die within three to five years of being diagnosed with the disorder. However, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke points out that around 10 percent of patients live 10 or more years with the disorder.
References
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fact Sheet
- MayoClinic.com: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis -- Treatment and Drugs
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Rehabilitation for Neurological Disorders
- "Revista de Neurologia"; The Importance of Multifactorial Rehabilitation in Amyotrophic Lateral Scleorosis; L. Gomez Fernandez and D.J. Calzada Sierra; March 2001
