The Facts on ALS

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal disease in which the nerves that control muscle strength—including breathing muscles—progressively become weaker. The cause is unknown and researchers have not yet developed a cure.

Who’s at risk: Doctors and researchers are unsure who is specifically at risk for developing ALS, but they do know it usually develops around age 60. While the disease is more common in older people, it can appear as early as the 20s or 30s. Younger patients tend to be male, but as age increases, ALS occurs equally in men and women. In 5-10 percent of cases, there is a family history of the disease.

Rate of occurrence: Your chance of having ALS is very small. Only one to two people per 100,000 develop the disease.

Symptoms: The first symptom of ALS is usually unexplained muscle weakness in an arm or leg. “There is no pain or numbness—just weakness and often, widespread muscle twitching,” says neurologist Glenn Mackin, M.D. “The patient will clearly know that something is wrong.” A less common type of the disease, called bulbar ALS, begins with difficulty in speaking and/or swallowing. This is followed by progressive muscle weakness in the arms and legs. The rate of progression varies widely among individual patients; average survival is three to four years.

How ALS is diagnosed: A neurologist experienced in diagnosing and treating ALS often can recognize the disease just by taking the patient’s medical history and conducting a detailed neurological exam. The most important methods to confirm ALS are electrical tests of muscles and nerves (EMG and nerve conductions). MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may show spinal disease resembling ALS. Selected lab tests can help reveal muscle diseases, myasthenia gravis, vitamin deficiences and other conditions that mimic ALS but respond better to treatment.

Cure: While much promising research is under way, there is currently no breakthrough on the horizon. One drug, Riluzole, is prescribed to help prolong life, but on average it only extends the patient’s life expectancy by about three months. There are, however, many treatments available to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life.

What you can do to help:

Fourth Annual Lehigh Valley Walk to D’Feet ALS
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2006
Location: Lehigh Valley College (formerly Allentown Business School), Center Valley, Pa.
Contact: Mary Jane Bohunicky, 610-402-6767

Where you can go for help:

ALS Resource Group
Meets: Fourth Tuesday of every month
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Location: Lehigh Valley Hospital—Cedar Crest and I-78, President’s Room, Anderson Wing
Contact: Mary Jane Bohunicky, 610-402-6767

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