What Is ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a.k.a Motor Neuron Disease-is a rapidly progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain which transmit signals from the brain to the voluntary muscles throughout the body. When motor neurons die as a result of ALS, the ability of the brain to control muscle movement is lost. When muscles fail to receive messages, they weaken, atrophy, and die. There is no known cure.
Related QuestionsWhat Are The Symptoms Of ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe groups of muscles affected and the order in which they are affected varies from one person to another. Early symptoms usually include tripping, dropping things, abnormal fatigue of the arms and/or legs, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitches and uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying. The hands and feet may be affected first, causing difficulty in walking or using the hands for the activities of daily living such as dressing, washing and buttoning clothes.
Related QuestionsWho Is Liable To Get ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAnyone can get ALS/MND. Most who develop ALS/MND are between the ages of 40 and 70. There are, however, cases of the disease attacking persons in their twenties and thirties. Generally though, ALS/MND occurs in greater percentages as men and women grow older. ALS/MND strikes men slightly more frequently than women. About one in 800 adult men, and one in 1,200 adult women die of ALS/MND. ALS/MND occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.
Related QuestionsAre There Different Types Of ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are three common classifications, and numerous sub-categories: Sporadic: the most common form of ALS/MND Familial: less than 10% of ALS/MND cases suggest genetic inheritance Guamanian: a high number of cases of ALS/MND occur in Guam and the Trust Territories of the Pacific
Related QuestionsWhat Causes ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe cause of ALS/MND is not yet known. While many theories are being researched, at present neither a cure nor a means of prevention is known. In 1993, scientists announced in a paper published in the British journal "Nature" that they had isolated the gene associated with about 20% of the cases of the inherited form of the disease.
Related QuestionsCan You "Catch" ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsALS/MND cannot be "caught" - it is not contagious. Though some scientists believe it is possible that ALS/MND is caused by a slow-acting or latent "virus", there is absolutely no fear that it is contagious: there is no increased incidence among medical personnel who deal with ALS/MND patients.
Related QuestionsIs There Hope For People With ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsALS/MND wreaks a devastating effect on patients as well as their families. As they struggle to cope with the prospect of advancing disability and death, it consumes their emotional and financial reserves. It is a costly disease in its later stages, demanding both extensive nursing care and expensive equipment. But there is always hope. Recent medical discoveries have led to new drugs which seem to slow the progression of the disease.
Related QuestionsHow Is ALS Diagnosed?
Frequently Asked Questionspresent there is no definitive means of diagnosis of ALS/MND. Most diagnoses are made by eliminating all other possibilities--ailments whose symptoms resemble those of ALS/MND. Neurologists use a number of clinical tests to establish a profile, including blood testing, EMG, MRI, etc;
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions About ALSAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive, usually fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks motor neurones in the spinal cord and lower brain which transmit signals from the brain to the voluntary muscles throughout the body. When motor neurones die as a result of ALS/MND, the ability of the brain to control muscle movement is lost. When muscles fail to receive messages, they weaken and waste away (atrophy).Related Questions
ALS MND Alliance - What Is ALS/MND?
BlogMetaFinder Search for als diseaseALS MND Alliance - What Is ALS/MND?What Is ALS/MND? Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an all embracing term used to cover a number of illnesses of the motor neurone. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS ... Thu, 07 DHMC | Media Services | Living with Terminal Illness: ALS DiseaseWhen the Blues Get you Down: Depression; The ABC's of STD's: Straight Talk about Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Overcoming Eating Disorders: A Recipe for Life; Defusing Teenage ..
Related QuestionsHOW COMMON IS ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked Questions About ALSA normal population produces about 2 new cases per 100,000 every year. (A 1995 Dalhousie University Study found in that there was a 2.03 per 100,000 population incidence in Nova Scotia. As ALS/MND is considered terminal and incurable, death rates are very close to incidence rates.) According to the United States National Institute of Health, some 5,000 people in the USA are newly diagnosed with ALS each year. That's about 13 new cases every day.
Related QuestionsWHO IS LIKELY TO GET ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked Questions About ALSAnyone can get ALS/MND. Most who develop ALS/MND are between the ages of 40 and 70. There are, however, cases of the disease attacking persons in their twenties and thirties. Generally though, ALS/MND occurs in greater percentages as men and women grow older. ALS/MND strikes men slightly more frequently than women. About one in 800 adult men, and one in 1,200 adult women die of ALS/MND. ALS/MND occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.
Related QuestionsWHEN WAS ALS/MND FIRST DISCOVERED?
Frequently Asked Questions About ALSALS/MND was first described in 1869 by Jean-Martin Charcot, an innovative French neurologist. The disease was first known as "Maladie de Charcot".
Related QuestionsAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS: rockin for a cureEarly ALS symptoms may be similar to a number of other neuromuscular diseases. Diagnostic tests include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), EMG (electromyogram), muscle biopsy, and blood tests. In order for a definitive diagnosis of ALS to be made, damage must be evident in both upper and lower motor neurons. When three limbs are sufficiently affected, the diagnosis is ALS.Related Questions
Quality Health | Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)ALS may be difficult to diagnose, and the diagnosis may not become clear until symptoms have progressed or until additional testing and observation have taken place. If your health professional suspects ALS, you will likely be referred to neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. ALS is diagnosed through a careful medical history, a detailed physical exam of the nervous system (neurologic exam), and tests that evaluate nerve and muscle function.Related Questions
ALS/MND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSpresent there is no definitive means of diagnosis of ALS. Most diagnoses are made by eliminating all other possibilities--ailments whose symptoms resemble those of ALS. Neurologists use a number of clinical tests to establish a profile, including blood testing, EMG, MRI, etc.Related Questions
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), SVCMC; New York NYALS may be difficult to diagnose, and the diagnosis may not become clear until symptoms have progressed or until additional testing and observation have taken place. If your health professional thinks you have ALS, you will likely be referred to a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. ALS is diagnosed through a careful medical history, a detailed physical exam of the nervous system (neurologic exam), and tests that evaluate nerve and muscle function.Related Questions
What Is ALS?
Patient Services Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS Associ...Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, first identified in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the 1990's have brought a wealth of new scientific understanding about the physiology of this disease.
Related QuestionsHow is ALS diagnosed? What are the early symptoms?
FRONTLINE: so much so fast: what's als? | PBSThere is no specific test or procedure to diagnose ALS. Rather, doctors generally reach a diagnosis by using a battery of tests to eliminate other possibilities. These tests include: blood and urine sampling; spinal taps; neurological examinations; muscle and/or nerve biopsies; imaging technologies, including MRIs, x-rays and myelograms (an x-ray examination of the spine); and electrodiagnostic tests that measure muscles' and nerves' response to electrical currents.
Related QuestionsWhat is the prognosis for newly diagnosed with ALS?
Diagnosed with ALS: Frequently Asked Questions >> Medical Qu...Regardless of the part of the body first affected by the disease, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of the body. This is common problem as the disease progresses. Individuals with ALS have increasing problems with moving, swallowing, and speaking or forming words. Eventually, people with ALS will not be able to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, or use their hands and arms, and in later stages of the disease, individuals have difficulty breathing.
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