Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative neurological disease in which motor neurons die. Recently, as YouTuber Pirupero’s battle with ALS became known, more and more people are curious about ALS.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease that paralyzes muscles throughout the body. When the symptoms worsen, it is difficult to even move the fingers, and it is difficult to eat without the help of others. Later, the respiratory muscles become paralyzed, making it impossible to breathe without a ventilator. Lou Gehrig’s disease has no clear cause and treatment, so many patients die 3 to 4 years after the onset of the disease. Seoul National University Hospital said, “It is known that about 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 people per year develop Lou Gehrig’s disease. high,” he added.
What are the symptoms of Lou Gehrig’s disease?
In the early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscle tremors and weakness in the extremities appear. In ALS, the motor nerve cells are damaged, the muscles in the limbs weaken, and the muscles move spontaneously regardless of their will. Hidak neurologist Dr. Joo Jae-hyung (Park Won-wook Hospital) said in a Hidak Q&A, “In general, the main symptom of Lou Gehrig’s disease is not muscle tremor, but muscle atrophy and muscle weakness throughout the body starting from the legs, and muscle spasms appear after the disease progresses. ” explained.
Why does the disease appear?
The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still unknown. However, as various studies progress, hypotheses about the cause of ALS continue to emerge. Asan Medical Center in Seoul said, “About 5-10% of all ALS patients are known to have familial muscular atrophy familial sclerosis, and of these, mutations in the causative gene on chromosome 21 are identified in about 20% of families.” . In addition, various hypotheses have been raised, such as viruses, reduced immunity, and heavy metal poisoning due to environmental pollution.
What tests are used to diagnose Lou Gehrig’s disease?
The most accurate test for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is known as electromyography. Hidak Rehabilitation Medicine Counselor Kim Hong-chae (Victoria Nursing Hospital) said in a Hidak Q&A, “In order to diagnose Lou Gehrig’s disease, electromyography, basic MRI, and blood tests are required. ALS can be excluded if an electromyography has been done and there are no specific abnormalities.” In addition, Director Joo Jae-hyung emphasized in the Hidak Q&A, “As Lou Gehrig’s disease is a rare and incurable disease that requires careful diagnosis, it is best to receive a diagnosis from a university hospital-level neurologist.”
How should I treat it?
Since there is no clear treatment, treatments are being used to alleviate the apparent symptoms. Asan Medical Center in Seoul explained, “We implement a variety of symptomatic therapies such as prevention of muscle weakness, nutritional therapy, pain management, respiratory rehabilitation, speech rehabilitation, and drug therapy.” In addition, Riluzole and edaravone, which are drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are being used as symptom relievers to slow the progression of ALS. There is still no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, as countries around the world are making endless efforts to develop a treatment for ALS, the prospects for treatment are expected to improve.
How to prevent ALS?
There is no way to prevent amyotrophic lateral sclerosis until early symptoms such as muscle atrophy appear. Therefore, if you suspect Lou Gehrig’s disease, you should visit a neurologist as soon as possible to diagnose your health.
Help = Dr. Jaehyung Joo, a consultation doctor at Hidak (Neurology Specialist, Wonwook Park, Hospital)
Hidak Consulting Doctor Hong-chae Kim, Director (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Victoria Nursing Hospital)