All about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is an aggressive motor-neuron disease marked by the progressive loss of nerve cells that are found within the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. Initially, the patients present with mild symptoms like weakness in the limbs, difficulty in swallowing food and slurred speech, however, top Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis doctors suggest that these symptoms tend to worsen with time, leading to significant loss of muscle control. This can drastically impact the quality of the patient’s life, making it important to seek proper medical intervention at the earliest. 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment

Experts often follow a multidisciplinary strategy for managing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which generally comprises medication, rehabilitation, and supportive therapy. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Doctors work together with speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and neurologists, to curate personalized treatment programs that suit the specific needs of each patient.

Various treatment modalities for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which are available at the best Neurology hospital in Delhi, include:

• Medication - Several drugs have been given authorization by regulatory bodies to help alleviate the symptoms of ALS and disrupt the disease's development. Some drugs work by lowering glutamate levels, a neurotransmitter that may be overactive in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients and could contribute to nerve cell deterioration. Others help to target free radicals, thereby helping to lower oxidative stress and perhaps decrease the course of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. They can prove to be effective in lowering the chances of severe impairment.
• Assistive devices -  These can be used to improve the quality of the patient’s life by allowing them to overcome challenges related to movement. As muscular strength decreases, people may have trouble moving about and doing daily chores. Wheelchairs, mobility aids, braces, and speech-generating equipment can help people suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by giving them the freedom to move around independently. 
• Respiratory Aid - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is characterized by the gradual loss of muscle strength and this can affect the respiratory muscles as well, giving rise to severe breathing problems and respiratory issues. Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) machines can assist people suffering from the condition to maintain healthy oxygen levels and enhance their overall respiratory health. 
• Physical and occupational therapy - Both therapies are quite beneficial for patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. While the latter assists patients in adjusting to changes in their everyday activities and routines, the former focuses on enhancing muscular strength, flexibility, and mobility. 
• Speech and Swallowing Therapy - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis can damage the muscles that control speech and swallowing, making it difficult to communicate and eat. Speech-language therapies focus on helping patients overcome these challenges for clear speech and improved swallowing. Devices for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can help people who have severe speech problems.
• Hospice and Palliative Care - As Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis progresses, palliative care becomes crucial for helping the patients overcome the debilitating impact. By controlling symptoms, attending to emotional and psychological needs, and offering support to both ALS patients and their families, palliative care aims to improve quality of life.
• There are a variety of therapeutic options available for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis treatment, that focus on controlling symptoms, slowing down disease progression, and improving the quality of life for individuals who are affected by it. You can consult the best Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis doctors in Delhi at IBS Hospital.
   

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | September 26, 2023 | 9 Min Read