Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. This neurodegenerative condition is popularly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease after the baseball player was diagnosed with it. Since ALS is a progressive and fatal disease with serious ramifications, it is essential to know more about it. This article will explain more about this condition, its signs, and issues in coping with it.

What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Before we talk about the symptoms and causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, let’s understand its core concept. The body’s voluntary actions, such as moving one’s arms and legs, talking, and chewing, are controlled by the motor neurons, which send messages to the brain and muscles. ALS attacks these very motor neurons and causes them to die, resulting in the inability of the brain to control these voluntary movements. Unfortunately, the muscles eventually weaken and degenerate due to the lack of movement.

Signs
Some signs that characterize amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in its early stages include

Weakness in the hands
Trouble walking
Slurring of speech
Inability to swallow
Muscle cramps
Unintended mass loss
Fatigue

As amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progress, a person may experience

Shortness of breath
Inability to stand or walk
Depression, stress, and anxiety
Fasciculation or muscle twitches

Causes and risk factors
The risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis increases with age and is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Other factors that increase the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are a family history of this condition and exposure to environmental toxins. Excessive exercise, traumatic injuries, and recurrent viral infections also increase a person’s chance of ALS.

Symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a condition that leads to several complications and eventually affects all voluntary muscles. Some complications include

Breathing problems
Severe problems with speech
Serious malnutrition
Dementia

Although ALS is a rare condition that affects around two per 100,000 people, the impact of this on the patient’s life is extensive. Living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is challenging not just for the patient but also for their caregivers. Here are some problems that they face while coping with this condition:

The foremost issue in coping with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is to help the patient understand this condition and help them comprehend its impact on their life. Some could be in denial and refuse to believe the changes this disease will bring to their lives. Once some patients learn more about this condition, they go into shock. A negative outlook on life follows this in some patients. Due to these emotional aspects and stress accompanying diagnosis, some may not participate or cooperate during treatment. This issue hampers the efficacy of the treatment to a large extent. Some find it extremely difficult to manage the changes in their health, such as muscle pain and difficulty eating.

Living with ALS can be socially isolating and presents a huge coping challenge. For instance, if a patient likes to go out but has to limit themselves because not all public places are wheelchair accessible. This isolation may lead to frustration and depression.

Treatment and coping techniques
The challenges associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are real and emotionally and physically draining. Losing one’s physical functioning, the ability to think, and financial concerns take a toll on the quality of life of the patient and their family. Here are some things that one can do to cope better with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:

Taking time to absorb the information that comes with the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Allowing oneself to take time away from work to understand changes that are expected in this condition.
Being positive and participating in the treatment go a long way in improving the prognosis.
Seeking early treatment helps reduce several discomforting symptoms of this condition.
Joining a support group can help cope with negative emotions and life changes as it helps with feelings of isolation and stress.
Planning care and finances goes a long way. Working with friends, family, and doctors in tandem makes a huge difference in healthcare.

While amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is challenging, healthcare innovations have improved how this condition can be managed. Such advancements have led to improved life expectancy and better quality of life for those dealing with this disorder. So, participating in care and staying positive is the key to coping with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Having such an outlook helps with maintaining a disciplined daily routine. Support from loved ones matters the most and has a vital effect on those coping with ALS.