Amyotrophic Lateral

Sclerosis (ALS) aka

Lou Gehrig’s disease
Karolina, Wiktoria, Damaris
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ASL), like MS, is a nervous system disorder that
causes progressive muscle weakness in ALS, the nerves, that transmit impulses
between the spinal cord, and the muscles are totally destroyed. People in the later
stages of the disease are totally paralyzed. Yet their minds remain sharp. Death
occurs when a person loses the ability to breathe and swallow.
Signs and symptoms
Muscle weakness, Coordination problems, Stiff muscles, Muscle atrophy, Muscles
spasms, Fatigue, Feeling faint, Difficulty speaking, Vocal cord spasm, overactive
reflexes, and Dysphagia.
Causes
Gene Mutations, overabundance of the neurotransmitter glutamate (can be toxic
to nerve cells), autoimmune response (in which the body's immune system attacks
normal cells) and the gradual accumulation of abnormal proteins in nerve cells.
Diagnostic Tests
● MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of the neck, and sometimes of the head
and lower spine
● EMG ( Electromyography) which tests nerve conduction
● Series of blood tests
● Urine test
● Spinal tap
● Muscle biopsy
Treatment
● Therapy (Physical therapy)
● Supportive care (Palliative care)
● Medications ( Glutamate blocker & muscle relaxant)
● Surgery (Gastrostomy)
● Medical procedures (Tracheotomy)
Observations
● Motor strength
● Presence of contractures
● Skin
● Bowel pattern
● Diet, fluid intake, and swallowing ability
● Activity level
CNA role
The role of a CNA with a ALS patient is assisting with urination, feeding and fluid
intake, breathing exercises, and personal hygiene.