Question 1

what is als

Accepted Answer

Neurologic disease: Amylotrophic lateral sclerosis- a neurologic disease affects motor function, leads to muscle weakness and significant disability.  Also known as lou gehrigs disease.  If you or family are diagnosed with this or if you want to learn more, visit www.Alsa.Org.

Question 2

is als painful?

Accepted Answer

No: Als is a progressive neuromuscular disorder.  Only the motor neurons and muscles are affected.  The sensory nerves remain intact, so the patient can feel pain, but the disease itself does not cause pain.

Question 3

is als hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Can be: Fals - familial is rare, less than 10%.  90% are sporadic sals with unknown cause.  There are some generic tests available.

Question 4

what is bulbar als?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerves: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease where the nerve cells degenerate which leads to muscle weakness and death, the cause is unknown. The bulbar form affects the cranial nerves, they supply the face and neck structures.  Riluzole is a drug that may help.

Question 5

does als cause pain?

Accepted Answer

YES: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative illness with progressive loss of motor neurons, muscle wasting, and respiratory dysfunction. As the disease progression, secondary symptoms can arise creating pain. Although not a primary symptom of ALS pain occurs in a substantial number of individuals.

Question 6

what to do about als?

Accepted Answer

No cure: Als and motor neuron disease are progressive diseases of the brain stem in which there is death of the motor neurons resulting in progressive loos of motor function. Some cases progress rapidly while others are slower in progression. There is no cure. Being certain of diagnosis important.

Question 7

what are als symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Insidious: Progressive weakness with flickering of muscles (fasciculations) and gradual muscle atrophy.  May also experience problems with respiration and swallowing and tongue may get clumsy and start fasciculation also.

Question 8

why my body is ece als?

Accepted Answer

I'm confused!: What do you mean by "ece als"?  Please ask your question again and explain.   Also, if you take any medications or supplements or have any chronic medical problems, put this info on your online profile, as that will give us more info and we can advise you better.

Question 9

does als affect speech?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Eventually the muscles used to form speech are affected, and the patient becomes unable to speak.  There are many adaptive devices available to help persons with ALS communicate.

Question 10

what is the cause of als?

Accepted Answer

Not really known: We do know that 90% of all cases are sporadic, and that 10% are familial ALS, and have found rare mutations of the gene encoding copper/zinc superoxide dismutase.

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