Many people know Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS) as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the famous baseball player who got the illness and had to retire in 1939. ALS is a disease that causes muscle weakness due to the breakdown and death of nerve cells. The nerve cells control important muscle activities, including breathing, talking, swallowing, and walking. Over time, muscle control loss worsens, and paralysis is possible.
In the United States, each year, there are 5,000 new cases of ALS diagnosed. Currently, there are five FDA-approved drugs to treat symptoms of ALS. Aside from medicine, treatment plans can slow the advancement of symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your survival, independence, and quality of life.
Most treatments for ALS involve managing the symptoms of the disease as it worsens. Some of them include:
- Physical therapy to help with mobility and strength.
- Occupation therapy will assist you in finding ways to dress, bathe, and groom.
- Speech therapy can assist with the loss of muscle and tongue control.
- Dietary counseling will aid with swallowing issues as they become an issue.
- Hot tubs and whirlpools can offer relief from muscle cramping and spasms.
- Respirators may be needed in the late stage of the disease to help you breathe.
ALS is a severe and progressive disease. It is crucial to have an experienced and dedicated team. Finding a neurologist that believes in working with the patients and their families to help maintain and improve their lives is critical to one's health journey.
Dr. Jennifer Ahmed is board-certified in neurology and neuromuscular disorders. Dr. Ahmed's area of interest and expertise is to help people with ALS by providing patients with the latest treatment options backed by research and emerging science. For more information or appointments, please call (631) 346-9119 or visit www.northsuffolkneurology.com
North Suffolk Neurology is a full-service Neurology, Headache Medicine, and Sleep Medicine practice. Our neurologists are board certified with a commitment to help patients and their families maintain and improve health.
