HealthDiseases and Conditions

Lou Gehrig's disease: causes, symptoms and treatment

Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare, but extremely dangerous pathology. This disease is accompanied by the gradual destruction of motor neurons, which, accordingly, affects the work of muscle tissue. Unfortunately, for today there is no medicine that can cure the disease. Modern medicine can only offer the means that help to stop the main symptoms.

The Lou Gehrig syndrome and its causes

To date, the causes of this pathology are unknown. Of course, many research centers do not stop actively searching for factors that can provoke sclerosis, as well as methods of effective treatment.

Nevertheless, scientists managed to find out only some of the risk factors. In particular, the disease is often diagnosed in people whose body has been exposed to toxic substances, in particular heavy metal salts, for a long time. To the risk factors can be attributed and numerous injuries. Only 3-7% of patients are diagnosed with a rare form of hereditary multiple sclerosis.

By the way, this disease received one of its names in honor of Lou Gehrig. This is a famous American baseball player, who for many years managed to persistently fight the disease.

Lou Gehrig's disease and its symptoms

Immediately it is worth noting that the first signs of sclerosis appear already in a mature or old age. As already mentioned, the disease is associated with the destruction of motor neurons. Because of the lack of innervation, muscles lose the ability to contract. As a rule, the muscular tissues of the extremities are primarily affected. The disease is constantly progressing, destroying the remaining nerve fibers.

Muscles gradually atrophy, because of which the patient loses the ability to move. As a rule, sick people can no longer care for themselves - over time it is even difficult for them to maintain their trunk in an upright position.

Unfortunately, the sclerosis does not end there. The disease of Lou Gehrig affects not only the skeletal muscles. At first, the pharynx suffers, as a result of which the patient can not swallow independently. As the progression proceeds, the sclerotic process encompasses the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm. Thus, a person loses the ability to perform respiratory movements. At this stage of the disease, it is necessary to use an apparatus for artificial ventilation to maintain life .

The disease of Lou Gehrig does not affect the functioning of the sense organs. A person can see, hear, taste and smell and adequately perceive information. Only in some cases, cognitive disorders are possible .

Lou Gehrig's disease and methods of treatment

As already mentioned, it is impossible to cure the disease today. Medicine can offer only quality care, rehabilitation program and symptomatic therapy. To date, the drug "Riluzol" is the only more or less effective drug that allows you to extend the life of the patient for several months or years.

In addition, anesthetics are used to improve the patient's condition. In the presence of depression or panic attacks, sedatives and antidepressants are used. Regular physical exercises and so-called "occupational therapy" help slow the process of muscle atrophy.

The prognosis for people with such a syndrome, unfortunately, is unfavorable. In most cases, the patient manages to live another 2-6 years after the appearance of the first symptoms. Only in 10% of cases the life expectancy of patients exceeds ten years.

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