Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
- A chronic, non-progressive disorder affecting sensory neurons.
- An acute, treatable condition leading to temporary motor impairment.
- A genetic disorder primarily affecting cognitive functions without motor involvement.
- A progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. (correct)
ALS affects cognitive function in nearly all diagnosed individuals.
ALS affects cognitive function in nearly all diagnosed individuals.
False (B)
Describe the primary pathological process that leads to paralysis in individuals with ALS.
Describe the primary pathological process that leads to paralysis in individuals with ALS.
Degeneration and scarring of motor neurons in the lateral aspect of the spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebral cortex.
Mutations in the gene that produces the _________ enzyme have been linked with ALS, suggesting a potential role of oxidative stress in the disease.
Mutations in the gene that produces the _________ enzyme have been linked with ALS, suggesting a potential role of oxidative stress in the disease.
Match each ALS characteristic with its description:
Match each ALS characteristic with its description:
Which of the following statements about the etiology of ALS is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about the etiology of ALS is MOST accurate?
The risk of developing ALS decreases with age.
The risk of developing ALS decreases with age.
Name three potential environmental risk factors that have been associated with an increased risk of developing ALS.
Name three potential environmental risk factors that have been associated with an increased risk of developing ALS.
In the context of ALS, damage to _______ motor neurons typically results in symptoms such as spasticity, hyperreflexia, and a positive Babinski's sign.
In the context of ALS, damage to _______ motor neurons typically results in symptoms such as spasticity, hyperreflexia, and a positive Babinski's sign.
Match each early ALS symptom with the body area it affects:
Match each early ALS symptom with the body area it affects:
Which diagnostic test is used to measure the electrical activity of muscles and can aid in ruling out other conditions that mimic ALS?
Which diagnostic test is used to measure the electrical activity of muscles and can aid in ruling out other conditions that mimic ALS?
Treatments for ALS can cure the disease if administered early enough.
Treatments for ALS can cure the disease if administered early enough.
Identify two medications commonly prescribed to manage ALS symptoms or slow disease progression.
Identify two medications commonly prescribed to manage ALS symptoms or slow disease progression.
In managing ALS, massage therapy can play a role, primarily aimed at preventing respiratory ______, a common cause of mortality in late-stage ALS.
In managing ALS, massage therapy can play a role, primarily aimed at preventing respiratory ______, a common cause of mortality in late-stage ALS.
Match each therapy with its primary aim in ALS treatment:
Match each therapy with its primary aim in ALS treatment:
Which of the following is a key goal of massage therapy in ALS management?
Which of the following is a key goal of massage therapy in ALS management?
Ankle plantarflexion strength is typically lost before dorsiflexion strength in ALS.
Ankle plantarflexion strength is typically lost before dorsiflexion strength in ALS.
Why is it important to routinely stretch contractures in individuals with ALS, and what precaution should be taken during the stretching process?
Why is it important to routinely stretch contractures in individuals with ALS, and what precaution should be taken during the stretching process?
In ALS patients, massage therapy targeting the abdominal muscles may assist in enhancing _________, especially when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles become weak.
In ALS patients, massage therapy targeting the abdominal muscles may assist in enhancing _________, especially when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles become weak.
Match each potential outcome with how massage can benefit ALS patients:
Match each potential outcome with how massage can benefit ALS patients:
Which cognitive function is generally NOT affected by ALS?
Which cognitive function is generally NOT affected by ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis impacts primarily the upper motor neurons.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis impacts primarily the upper motor neurons.
One way to diagnose ALS is by testing reflex responses.
One way to diagnose ALS is by testing reflex responses.
State what percentage of ALS cases are inherited.
State what percentage of ALS cases are inherited.
What percentage more common is ALS in men than women
What percentage more common is ALS in men than women
Slurred speech can be an early sign of ALS. The medical term used for this symptom is __________.
Slurred speech can be an early sign of ALS. The medical term used for this symptom is __________.
Fasciculations, or muscle twitching under the skin, is caused by a deterioration of the ______ motor neurons.
Fasciculations, or muscle twitching under the skin, is caused by a deterioration of the ______ motor neurons.
Match each treatment with its effect on daily function:
Match each treatment with its effect on daily function:
Match the ALS symptom with type of motor neuron:
Match the ALS symptom with type of motor neuron:
Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of ALS?
Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of ALS?
Which statement about the role genetics play in ALS is MOST accurate?
Which statement about the role genetics play in ALS is MOST accurate?
Smoking post menopause has no impact on ALS.
Smoking post menopause has no impact on ALS.
Genetic variation in Familial ALS is different than genetic variation in Sporadic ALS.
Genetic variation in Familial ALS is different than genetic variation in Sporadic ALS.
How does the location of nerve damage affect ALS symptoms
How does the location of nerve damage affect ALS symptoms
On average, how long do 80% of people with ALS live after diagnosis?
On average, how long do 80% of people with ALS live after diagnosis?
In general, the risk of ALS increases with ______.
In general, the risk of ALS increases with ______.
The frontal cortex of the brain controls ________, which is not affected with those diagnosed with ALS.
The frontal cortex of the brain controls ________, which is not affected with those diagnosed with ALS.
Match each ALS symptom with associated reflex change:
Match each ALS symptom with associated reflex change:
Match the type of ALS with typical location of motor neuron damage:
Match the type of ALS with typical location of motor neuron damage:
Flashcards
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no cure, leading to gradual paralysis due to motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebral cortex.
Unaffected Brain Areas in ALS
Unaffected Brain Areas in ALS
Areas of the brain controlling coordinated movements (cerebellum) and cognitive function (frontal cortex) are typically not affected by ALS.
SOD1 and ALS
SOD1 and ALS
Mutations of a gene that produces SOD1 enzyme, a powerful antioxidant, has been linked to ALS.
Hereditary ALS
Hereditary ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Age and Sex Risk Factors for ALS
Age and Sex Risk Factors for ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Environmental Risk Factors for ALS
Environmental Risk Factors for ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sporadic ALS
Sporadic ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Bulbar ALS
Bulbar ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Early speech/swallowing issues
Early speech/swallowing issues
Signup and view all the flashcards
Upper Motor Neuron Symptoms in ALS
Upper Motor Neuron Symptoms in ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lower Motor Neuron Symptoms in ALS
Lower Motor Neuron Symptoms in ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Diagnostic Tests for ALS
Diagnostic Tests for ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Symptom Management in ALS
Symptom Management in ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Medications for Treating ALS
Medications for Treating ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Massage treatment outcomes for ALS
Massage treatment outcomes for ALS
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease
- CNS 400 FT 500 PT indicates this is part of central nervous system studies
What is ALS?
- ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder with no cure
- It involves gradual paralysis due to degeneration and scarring of motor neurons in the lateral aspect of the spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebral cortex
- Upper motor neurons extend from the brain to the brainstem and spinal cord synapse with lower motor neurons
- Lower motor neurons send nerve impulses to contract muscles
- Motor neurons gradually break down and die, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, resulting in paralysis
- The areas of the brain controlling coordinated movements (cerebellum) and cognition (frontal cortex) are not affected
- About 80% of people die within 2-5 years of diagnosis, but some can live 10+ years
Cognitive Function in ALS
- 30 to 50% of people with ALS experience cognitive and/or behavioral difficulties that can affect thinking and personality
- Manifestations include inattention, difficulty in speech, facial or reading comprehension, verbal communication issues, obsessive behavior, apathy, or depressive behavior
- It's important to discern if symptoms are due to biological disease and to consult with professionals for cognitive assessment, as specialized tests exist for ALS/FTD
Etiology of ALS
- The cause is unknown, and there is no cure
- It is multifactorial and based on changes in a person's genes
- ALS is 20% more common in men than women
- Mutations of the gene that produces the SOD1 enzyme may be linked to ALS
- SOD1 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals
Risk Factors
- 5-10% of ALS cases are hereditary, passed from parent to child, giving children a 50/50 chance of developing the disease
- The risk of ALS increases with age, and it is most common between ages 40 and 60
- Before age 65, men are slightly more at risk than women, but this difference disappears after age 70
- Genetic studies show similarities in familial and sporadic ALS genetic variations, implying susceptibility
Environmental Risk Factors
- Smoking is more significant for women, especially post-menopause
- Environmental toxin exposure, possibly to lead, may be a factor, but research is ongoing
- Military service is indicated as a risk, potentially due to exposure to metals, chemicals, traumatic injuries, viral infections, or intense exertion
Types of ALS
- Sporadic ALS is the most common type, affecting anyone, particularly those between 40-60 years old
- Familial ALS is passed from parent to child in 5-10% of cases
- Bulbar ALS accounts for 30% of cases and affects motor neurons in the corticobulbar area of the brainstem, paralyzing muscles in the head, face, and neck first
Symptoms and Early Signs
- Early signs of ALS Include tripping, dropping things
- Symptoms include slurred or "thick" speech, difficulties in swallowing
- Symptoms include weight loss, decreased muscle tone
- Symptoms include shortness of breath, and increased or decreased reflexes
- Symptoms include uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying
Symptoms of ALS
- Upper motor neuron symptoms include no sensory deficit, speaking problems, and breathing problems
- Upper motor neuron symptoms include eating problems, anxiety and depression, and dementia/cognitive changes
- Upper motor neuron signs involve tight and stiff muscles (spasticity), hyperreflexia, and a positive Babinski's sign
- Lower motor neuron signs include muscle weakness and atrophy, muscle cramps, and fleeting twitches of muscles visible under the skin (fasciculations)
Diagnosis of ALS
- Diagnosing ALS involves EMG to test the electrical activity of muscles at rest for diagnosis or rule out
- Diagnosing ALS involves a nerve conduction study measures nerve ability to send impulses
- Diagnosing ALS involves MRI to check for spinal cord tumors or herniated discs in the neck causing symptoms
- Diagnosing ALS involves blood and urine tests to eliminate other potential conditions
- Diagnosing ALS involves a muscle biopsy can provide a differential diagnosis of muscle diseases
Medical Treatment of ALS
- Treatments are designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life
- Riluzole is taken orally and may increase life expectancy by 3-6 months
- Edaravone is administered intravenously and reduces the decline of daily function
- Other medications control drooling (anticholinergic), spasticity (baclofen, diazepam), constipation, fatigue, pain, depression, sleep issues, and uncontrolled outbursts of laughing or crying
Other Therapies for ALS
- Breathing care is used
- Physical therapy is used
- Occupational therapy is used
- Speech therapy is used
- Nutritional support is used
- Psychological and social support is used
Massage Treatment for ALS
- Prevent respiratory complications like respiratory failure which are final stages of ALS.
- Spasticity contributes to muscle weakness can be helped. Consistent slow stretching decreases tone to benifit
- Cramps respond to daily stretching.
- Ankle dorsiflexion is lost before loss of strength in plantarflexion
- Hamstring strength appears to correlate with walking and strength decrease and parallel to loss of walking.
- Contractures should be routinely stretched taking care to support the joints as there is minimal control of muscle activity in late stages
- Abdominal muscles to help increase inspiration when diaphragmatic and intercostal muscles become weak.
Massage Treatment Outcomes
- Maintaining function of respiratory muscles
- Decreasing stiffness, maintaining ROM, and preventing or decreasing contractures
- Promoting relaxation and improving mood
- Maintaining joint health
- Preventing or reducing edema
- Preventing deep vein thrombosis
- Promoting muscle function
- Decreasing pain
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
