INFORMATION ON LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE

Lou Gehrig's disease is a disorder that's also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lou Gehrig's disease may be defined as damages to spinal cord pathways and motor neurons, which are important parts of the body's neuromuscular system. This neuromuscular system allows our bodies to move and is made up of the brain, many nerves, and muscles.

SYNONYMS OF LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Lou Gehrig disease.
2. Lou Gehrig's disease.
3. Charcot disease.
4. Charcot's disease.
5. Motor neuron disease.
6. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

CAUSES OF LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE

The progressive weakness that marks Lou Gehrig's disease is due to degeneration within the brain and spinal cord of specific nerve cells that control voluntary movement The specific cause is unknown. Recent evidence suggests the existence of clusters of cases. Further evaluation of clusters may provide epidemiologic data associated with causes.

SYMPTOMS OF LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE

Early symptoms vary with each individual, but they usually include tripping, dropping things, abnormal fatigue of the arms and/or legs, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitches, and involuntary periods of laughing or crying.

Other may be:

1. Difficulty in speaking.
2. Difficulty while swallowing.
3. Difficulty in walking.
4. Pneumonia.
5. Fatigue of the arms.

DIAGNOSIS OF LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE

Lou Gehrig’s disease can be diagnosed by:-

1. CT scan.
2. Electromyography.
3. X-ray.
4. Urine test.

TREATMENT OF LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE

Although there is no cure for ALS, much can be done to help patients live more productively and independently. Physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques can help patients learn how to work around the weakness and functional disability caused by the disease. Patients may benefit from braces or a walker to improve mobility. So far there is no cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease, and no treatment that can significantly alter Lou Gehrig’s disease course. There are many things which can be done, however, to help maintain quality of life and to retain functional ability even in the face of progressive weakness. A physical therapy given to an affected person and family in addition to exercise and stretching programs to maintain strength and range of motion, and to promote good health.