The nerve-related disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) got much attention when popular baseball player Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with the condition. It was later even recognized by the player’s name. While no particular causes are known to contribute to its occurrence, the disease is known to be degenerative. It causes serious trouble for the nerve cells along the spinal cord and brain. This article lists the causes, symptoms, and treatment of ALS.

Causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
What causes the development of this nerve cell disease is not yet known. However, sometimes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis occurs because of family history. Additionally, several environmental factors, like exposure to toxins, viral infections, and serious injuries, are also known to be the reasons behind its occurrence. Furthermore, a combination of both environmental and genetic factors is known to damage the neurons. Moreover, the chances of having the disease tend to increase with age, especially in people between 60 and 80 years old.

Symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
In the initial stage of the disease, the patient doesn’t experience any kind of pain. However, as the disease progresses, it may lead to problems in speaking, breathing, chewing, and more. The symptoms that are known to be the biggest indicators of neuron damage comprise:

• Fatigue along the legs and hands
• Lack of body balance
• Difficulty walking and undertaking routine work
• Problems swallowing food
• Cramps and twitching shoulder and arm muscles
• Increased mood swings
• Alterations in thinking patterns
• Increased behavioral issues
• Dementia
• Continuous feeling of tiredness
• Paralysis
• Weight loss
• Breathing issue

Tests to diagnose ALS
The occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cannot be diagnosed with any specific tests. The medical practitioner checks on the family history and symptoms of the patients and performs specific tests to eliminate other possible diseases. Some of these tests comprise the following:

• A doctor may ask for thyroid function, blood, and urine-specific tests.
• A specialist might perform a biopsy of the affected nerve cells.
• A spinal tap test may be conducted, wherein a medical practitioner may insert a needle near the spinal cord to collect cerebral spinal fluid. The fluid will then be tested to identify any underlying problems or infections.
• A patient may have to undergo x-rays of organs and bones to identify any issues.
• An MRI scan, a combination of radio frequencies, magnets, and computers to deliver detailed pictures of bones and organs, will help diagnose the condition.
• A patient may have to take electrodiagnostic tests designed to study any abnormalities in motor neurons and muscles. The test will require the medical practitioner to put electrodes along the muscle to determine muscle response and activity.

ALS treatment
The disease is known to have no permanent cure; however, the symptoms can be kept under check so that the problem doesn’t get aggravated and the patient stays at ease and leads a normal life until possible. Some of the treatment plans adopted for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis comprise the following:

• Physical therapy
  The treatment plan aims to keep the patient active so that pain and inflammation along the joints stay in check. The therapy includes physical activities like swimming, walking, and using an exercise cycle to achieve better muscle strength. Furthermore, occupational specialists also prescribe assistive devices to perform everyday tasks like eating and bathing independently.
• Speech therapy
  Considering that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can lead to trouble communicating, Consultation with a therapist can assist patients in communicating loudly and clearly. Furthermore, there are also speech synthesizers based on computers that use eye-tracking equipment so patients can easily access the web and type on personalized screens to speak to others. Moreover, the therapy also aims to help patients safely swallow food.
• Nutritional support
  ALS patients are known to experience weight loss, which can make them weak and less energetic. Consulting a nutritionist will prove beneficial in this regard, as the professional can make a proper food chart for the patient to achieve balanced nutrition. Furthermore, it is also significant to opt for soft foods so they can be easily swallowed. Moreover, a nutritionist may also suggest using feeding tubes in critical patients, as it prevents choking and other complications along the lungs.
• Respiratory aids
  The progression of ALS also leads to breathlessness among patients. A respirator aids in maintaining the functioning of the lungs by inflating and deflating them.