Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - 1478 Words

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Jean-Marie Charcot was the first to recognize ALS as a distinct neurological disease with its own unique pathology. In ALS, nerve cells degenerate and deteriorate, and are unable to transmit messages to muscles. In around 90% of the cases of ALS, the cause remains unknown. Studies have concentrated on the responsibility of glutamate in motor neuron degeneration. Glutamate is one of several neurotransmitters in the brain. While there is no known cure for ALS, strides in medicine have allowed for the development of a wide variety of medications to treat the various†¦show more content†¦The predicament of the patient gradually declines. Once the disease progresses to the stage where muscles in the chest area stop working, it grows increasing difficult or nearly impossible to breath. History of ALS Jean-Marie Charcot was the first to recognize ALS as a distinct neurological disease with its own unique pathology (Kumar, Aslinia, Yale, and Mazza 2011). Studies conducted from 1865 to 1869 by Charcot and his colleague Joffroy found that lesions in the interior of the lateral column in the spinal cord gave rise to chronic progressive paralysis and contractures (no atrophy of muscles), while lesions of the anterior horn of the spinal cord resulted in paralysis devoid of contractures (with atrophy of muscles). These discoveries reinforced Charcot’s hypothesis, at the time, was that the motor component of the spinal cord contained a two-part system, and that the location of the lesion results in a varying clinical presentation. Charcot did not propose the term â€Å"amyotrophic lateral sclerosis† until 1874 when his lectures were accumulated into a compilation of his research entitled Oeuvres Completes. In many parts of the world, ALS is still known as Charcot’s di sease. While numerous molecular and genetic discoveries have allowed for a greater understanding of this disease, his innovative descriptions of the associated clinical andShow MoreRelated Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay1644 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is an insidiously developing, adult-onset, progressive anterior horn cell degeneration with associated degeneration of descending motor pathways. Despite increasing clinical and research interest, its cause remains obscure. Although many theories as to its cause have been proposed, no intervention has yet been shown to modify biologically determined motor system degeneration. There is no clear cut neuropathological diagnosis forRead More Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay1023 Words   |  5 Pages Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease Maladie de Charcot Lou Gehrigs Disease What is the Disease? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;ALS is an extremely deadly disease affecting the nerve cells that control the victims voluntary muscles. These nerves shrink and eventually die, leaving the muscles without stimulation. As these muscles go without stimulation, they too eventually shrink and die. The victim progressively weakens to the point of complete paralysis of all voluntary musclesRead MoreThe Impact Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1709 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord (Plowman, 2015, p.1151). The motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles in the body. When ALS is in a degenerate stage, this causes paralyzation and loss of muscle control, which can lead to one’s death. The ALS Association is a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to fighting Lou Gehrig’s diseaseRead MoreAnalysis Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetics Essay1364 Words   |  6 Pages Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetics Christopher Elliott Brandman University Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetics Over the past decade, the medical community’s understanding of chronic illnesses has greatly increased. This increase is the result of improvements in technology and techniques that have clarified some of the unknown mechanisms associated with disease. For example, innovations in genetic sequencing have allowed researchers to analyze the geneticRead MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)796 Words   |  3 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is commonly referred to as ALS. This disease is also known to many as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a disease characterized by the slow death of certain nerve cells in the brain and spine. As described by research done through the Mayo Clinic, nerve cells called motor neurons control the muscles that allow you to move muscles of your body. ALS effects these particular neurons and produce serious neurological effects that can start as muscle weakness that eventually leadsRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosi s Essay1181 Words   |  5 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurological disease affecting the nerves that control voluntary muscle movement. It is the most common type of motor neuron disease. The body isn’t able to operate as it normally does due to the muscles weakening overtime. As the disease progresses, it starts to damage nerves of other vital areas of the body. When the body isn’t able to breath the way it should causing respiratory failureRead MoreEssay about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis2209 Words   |  9 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ABSTRACT At this time, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) is a very confusing and elusive disorder. While the clinical presentation and diagnosis of ALS dates back to the early 1900’s, with Charcot being the first to scientifically report and document his findings, there simply has not been definitive evidence since that time for the etiology for ALS. This fundamental problem has befuddled the most qualified researchers and its ensuing answer has eluded theRead MoreEssay on What is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?1064 Words   |  5 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is short for ALS, and is often referred to as â€Å"Lou Gehrig’s disease.† Lou Gehrig was born in New York in June 19, 1903. In April of 1923, Lou Gehrig signed his first contract with the New York Yankees. He played for the Yankees for 15 years and lead them to 6 World Series between 1927 and 1938. Gehrig was known as a seven-time all-star champion, for his batting average and was named twice the American Leagues MVP; He later earned the name of the Iron Horse (Lou GehrigRead MoreEssay about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1600 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a motor neuron type disease. The disease was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Though we have known of this disease and its capabilities for well over a century; there is still information that is unclear. This past decade has been successful for research, giving us new information and optimism for years ahead. New hope is arriving in thoughts that stem cell research and gene therapy will advance our knowledge for a possible cureRead MoreAls : Short For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1527 Words   |  7 PagesALS Jose Ramirez 2nd hour ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It’s sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a very deadly disease that has taken MANY people’s lives. It’s a slow and painful process. It usually starts from the bottom and works its way up north till you eventually die. It attacks your nerve cells which it eventually makes you immobile. Motor neurons located in the brain are the cells that are attacked by this deadly disease. ALS causes weakness with a wide range