Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Paper Summary:

This paper first explains that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration and destruction of motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brain, eventually leading to paralysis and death. The paper then reviews the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this illness and reports that there are still no known medications and medical procedures that can reverse the effects of ALS or prevent its onset. However, the paper indicates that extensive research to understand the mechanism of the disease is promising and could produce a significant breakthrough.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Pathophysiology
Current Research
Signs and Symptoms
Screening and Diagnosis
Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
Imaging
Spinal Tap
Muscle Biopsy
Blood and Urine Tests
Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The initial symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are typically observed in the distal portions of the body such as the hands and feet. The symptoms then slowly spread to the more proximal portions of the body including the trunk and neck. When the disease has begun to spread to these areas, the bulbar functions of speaking, swallowing and breathing begin to be affected. These body functions are named as such because they are controlled by the motor neurons found in the bulb-like portion of the brain stem."

Sample of Sources Used:

• ALS Association. About ALS: Initial Symptoms of the Disease. ALS.Org. 10 December 2007 <http://www.alsa.org/als/symptoms.cfm?CFID=988816&CFTOKEN=9678495>
• Dangond, Fernando, M.D. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 10 April 2006. E-Medicine. 10 December 2007 < http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic14.htm>
• Mayo Clinic Staff. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 1 December 2006. Mayo Clinic. 10 December 2007 <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/DS00359/DSECTION=1>
• No author. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/ Lou Gehrig's Disease. 2 January 2000. Neurology Channel. 10 December 2007 <http://www.neurologychannel.com/als/>
• Zeller, John L., M.D. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 11 July 2007. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 10 December 2007 < http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/298/2/248.pdf>

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