Syndrome BAS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: treatment

In 1869, the French psychiatrist Charcot made an accurate description of such a disease as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

What is this disease?

With the development of this disease, degeneration of the peripheral and central neurons of the main pathway of the nervous system occurs. Some elements are replaced by glia. The pyramidal beam is usually much more striking in the side columns. Hence the epithet - lateral. As for the peripheral neuron, it is very much affected in the region of the anterior horns. That is why the disease is accompanied by another epithet - amyotrophic. At the same time, the name accurately emphasizes one of the clinical signs of an ailment - muscle atrophy. The syndrome of ALS is quite a serious disease. It is worth noting that the name that gave the affliction of Charcot, as much as possible reflects all its characteristic features: the symptoms of the defeat of the pyramidal beam located in the lateral column, combined with muscle atrophy.

Symptoms of the disease

Today many people are forced to live with such a disease as the syndrome of ALS. Symptoms of this disease are quite diverse. It is worth noting that the common signs of an ailment has practically no effect. Developed by the ALS individually. At an early stage, there are some signs that can determine the development of this disease.

1. Movement disorders. The patient begins to stumble very often, drop things and fall as a result of weakening, as well as partial muscular atrophy. In some cases, soft tissues become numb.
2. Violation of speech.
3. Muscle cramps. Most often, this phenomenon occurs in the calf area.
4. Fasciculation is a slight twitching of the muscles. Often this phenomenon is described as "goose bumps". Appears fasciculation usually on the palms.
5. Partial noticeable atrophy of the muscular tissues of the legs and hands. Especially often such processes begin in the region of the shoulder girdle: clavicle, scapula and shoulders.

The syndrome of ALS develops in each person in its own way. This disease is very difficult to diagnose in the early stages. If a person has some signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but the diagnosis is not confirmed, the patient may suffer completely from another ailment.

Other signs of ALS

The syndrome of ALS is characterized by progressive development. In other words, atrophy and weakening of the above muscular tissues only increase. If a person with difficulty buttoned up the buttons, then over time, he simply could not do it at all. This applies to other skills.

Gradually, the patient loses the ability to walk. At first, he may need a normal walker, and later - a wheelchair. In addition, weakened muscles can not support the patient's head in the right position. She will always fall on her chest. If the disease covers the muscles of the entire body, then a person can not practically get out of bed, stay in a sitting position for a long time, and also roll over from side to side.

As for speech, there will also be problems. The patient gradually develops the syndrome of ALS. Symptoms of this ailment can be completely different. At the initial stage, the patient begins to speak "in the nose." His speech is becoming less distinct. As a result, it can completely disappear. Although many patients retain the ability to speak for the rest of their lives.

Other difficulties

If the diagnosis is made, and the disease is a syndrome of ALS, the native patient should prepare for greater difficulties. In addition to the fact that a person almost completely loses the ability to move, he begins to have problems with meals. In some cases, increased salivation may occur. This phenomenon also causes a lot of inconvenience and is very dangerous. After all, while eating, a patient can swallow saliva in large quantities. At some point, enteral nutrition may be required.

Gradually there are various violations associated with the work of the respiratory system. Because of this, respiratory failure may begin. Such diseases of the central nervous system cause many problems. Often, patients have a headache and suffocation. Very often people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis suffer from nightmares. There are cases when, due to lack of oxygen, the patient begins hallucinations, as well as a sense of disorientation.

Why there is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Many clinicians view this disease as a degenerative process. However, the true causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are still unknown. Some experts believe that this disease is an infection that is caused by a filtering virus. The syndrome of ALS is a relatively rare ailment, which begins to develop in humans in about 50 years.

As for doctors with considerable experience, they are accustomed to divide all organic diseases of the spinal cord into diffuse and systemic ones. As for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, only the motor ways are affected here, but the sensitive ones remain perfectly normal. As a result of histopathological studies, some corrections were made to the previous understanding of systemic lesions.

So what can explain the development of this or that pathology of the brain and spinal cord? Apparently, with a certain disease, systemic nature depends on several factors.

1. A special similarity of a toxin or a virus with a certain nerve formation. And it is quite possible. After all, toxins have completely different chemical characteristics. In addition, the central nervous system is far from homogeneous in this respect. Maybe this is the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
2. Also, the ailment can arise as a result of the specific blood supply of some parts of the human nervous system.
3. The cause can serve as a feature of lymph circulation in the canal of the spine and of the liquor circulation in the central nervous system.

So, why is there a syndrome of ALS? The reasons are still unknown. And scientists from all over the world are just making assumptions.

Diagnosis of the disease

In most cases, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes some difficulties. After all, the disease differs by changes in cerebrospinal fluid, etiology, the presence of neurosyphilitic, most often pupillary symptoms. Diagnosing the syndrome of ALS is difficult for several reasons.

1. This is a rare disease.
2. Each person's disease affects differently. In this case, there are not so many common symptoms.
3. The early symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be light, for example, slightly extended speech, awkwardness in the hands, awkwardness. In this case, the listed signs may be a consequence of other diseases.

However, in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it should be remembered that many diseases occur with selective damage to the motor structures. In the syndrome of ALS, the patient may have pain in the neck region, as well as protein-cell dissociation of the CSF, block on the myelogram and loss of sensitivity.

If a doctor has a suspicion, then he should refer the patient to a neurologist. And only after this, it may be necessary to undergo a series of diagnostic studies.

Treatment of ALS

As already mentioned, the syndrome of ALS is an incurable disease. Therefore, in the world there is still no cure for this disease. However, there are many remedies that help to eliminate symptoms. For example, in Europe and the United States, the drug "Riluzol" is used. This is the first and only drug that has been approved. Nevertheless, in our country this drug has not yet been registered. The doctor can not officially recommend him. It should be noted that this remedy does not relieve the disease. However, it influences the life expectancy of patients with the syndrome of ALS. This drug is released in tablets. Take it several times a day. Before use, you should carefully study the leaflet.

How does Rilusol work?

When the nerve impulse is transmitted, glutamate is released. This substance is a chemical mediator in the central nervous system. The drug "Riluzol" allows you to reduce the amount of glutamate. As research has shown, an overabundance of this substance can lead to damage to the neurons of the spinal cord and brain.

Clinical trials of the drug showed that those patients who take the drug "Riluzol", live much longer than others. At the same time, their life expectancy increased by about 3 months (compared with those who took a placebo).

Antioxidants against the disease

Since the causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are not yet established, there is no medicine against the disease either. Scientists believe that people suffering from the syndrome of ALS are more prone to negative effects of free radicals. Recently, special studies have been started that are aimed at revealing all the useful actions that are provided to the body as a result of taking supplements that have antioxidants in it. Before using such drugs, you need to consult with specialists.

Antioxidants are a separate class of nutrients that help the human body to prevent all kinds of damage by free radicals. However, some supplements that have already passed clinical trials, alas, did not give the expected positive effect. Unfortunately, some diseases of the central nervous system can not be cured. No matter how you like.

Concomitant Therapy

Concomitant therapy makes it possible to significantly facilitate the life of those who have the syndrome of ALS. Treatment of this ailment is a long process. Therefore, not only therapy of the underlying disease, but also accompanying symptoms is important. Experts believe that complete relaxation allows at least for a time to forget about fear and remove anxiety.

To relax the muscles of the patient, you can use reflexology, aromatherapy and massage. These procedures normalize the circulation of lymph and blood, and also allow you to get rid of pain. After all, when they are carried out, endogenous painkillers and endorphins are stimulated. However, every violation of the central nervous system requires an individual approach. Therefore, before the start of the course of procedures should be examined by specialists.

Finally

To date, there are many incurable diseases. It is to such and refers to the syndrome of ALS. Photo of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is simply shocked. These people suffered a lot of suffering, but, no matter what, they live. Of course, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, but there are many methods that can eliminate some of the symptoms. The main thing to remember is that a person suffering from the syndrome of ALS needs help and constant supervision. If you do not have the necessary skills, you can ask for help from a narrow profile and physiotherapists.