Mr. Joginder Singh
Patient Testimonial
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a-my-o-TROE-fik LAT-ur-ul skluh-ROE-sis), or ALS, is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.
ALS is often called Lou Gehrig's disease, after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. Doctors usually don't know why ALS occurs. Some cases are inherited.
ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in a limb, or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease.
Signs and symptoms of ALS vary greatly from person to person, depending on which neurons are affected. Signs and symptoms might include:
ALS affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements such as walking and talking (motor neurons). ALS causes the motor neurons to gradually deteriorate, and then die. Motor neurons extend from the brain to the spinal cord to muscles throughout the body. When motor neurons are damaged, they stop sending messages to the muscles, so the muscles can't function.
ALS is inherited in 5% to 10% of people. For the rest, the cause isn't known.
Researchers continue to study possible causes of ALS. Most theories center on a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
As the disease progresses, ALS causes complications, such as:
Breathing problems
Over time, ALS paralyzes the muscles you use to breathe. You might need a device to help you breathe at night, similar to what someone with sleep apnea might wear. For example, you may be given continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to assist with your breathing at night.
Speaking problems
Most people with ALS develop trouble speaking. This usually starts as occasional, mild slurring of words, but becomes more severe. Speech eventually becomes difficult for others to understand, and people with ALS often rely on other communication technologies to communicate.
Eating problems
People with ALS can develop malnutrition and dehydration from damage to the muscles that control swallowing. They are also at higher risk of getting food, liquids or saliva into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia. A feeding tube can reduce these risks and ensure proper hydration and nutrition.
Dementia
Some people with ALS have problems with memory and decision-making, and some are eventually diagnosed with a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is difficult to diagnose early because it can mimic other neurological diseases. Tests to rule out other conditions might include:
Treatments can't reverse the damage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but they can slow the progression of symptoms, prevent complications, and make you more comfortable and independent. You might need an integrated team of doctors trained in many areas and other health care professionals to provide your care. This might prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. Our team will help you select the right treatments for you.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs for treating ALS:
Your doctor might also prescribe medications to provide relief from other symptoms, including:
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IBS Hospital’s patient stories highlight the incredible spirit and determination of our patients who refuse to give-up and the unwavering support of their families and caregivers.
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Brain surgery can be defined as a medical procedure which aims at correcting structural and functional problems of the brain. Such procedures are usually complex and can be of several different types. It is pertinent to note that the type of surgery that a patient needs depends on various factors such as the condition that is being treated, the medical history of the patient, the age of the patient and their personal preference.