How to Treat ALS

Commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease after the New York Yankee Hall of Famer who died from the illness in 1941, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. About 30,000 people in the United States suffer from ALS, whose symptoms include weakness and an eventual loss of strength and ability to move arms, legs or body. There is no cure for ALS, but you can receive treatments.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor about Riluzole. In 1995 it was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ALS. It has proven to prevent progression of the disease and possibly extend life for a few months. Most people diagnosed with ALS only live two to five years. It is unclear how the drug exactly works, but it appears to diminish the damage to motor neurons by reducing the release of glutamate. Patients with ALS usually possess an excess of glutamate. Riluzole does not stop the damage to motor neurons, but does offer hope of slowing or possibly even halting the progression of ALS.

• 2

  Consider other treatments designed to improve the patient's quality of life and relieve the symptoms. Certain medications ease muscle cramps, reduce fatigue, control spasms and help patients with constipation, sleep disturbances and pain. Baclofen and tizandine can relieve spasticity. Ibuprofen, naproxen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve discomfort. Physical therapy is used to reduce pain and relieve muscle cramping. Patients also receive speech therapy and occupational therapy.

• 3

  Eat high-energy foods that are easy to swallow. Deterioration of muscles and body movement make it difficult for ALS patients to eat. Patients who cannot get adequate nutrition may have feeding tubes inserted. Other patients require respiratory therapists and pulmonary consultants to help with their breathing.