Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Diagnosis and Management

A condition that causes the death of neurons which control the voluntary muscles of the body is known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neurone disease. Patients with ALS exhibit signs of muscle stiffness, muscle twitching and muscle wasting. The person may experience progressive difficulty in speaking or swallowing, and weakness in the arms or legs. The diagnosis of ALS is based on a study of the clinical signs and symptoms, full medical history and neurologic examinations. Blood tests and MRIs can rule out the likelihood of other diseases. ALS has no medical cure. Its management is focused on providing supportive care, treating symptoms and improving quality of life. Medicines like riluzole prolong survival by 2-3 months, while edaravone slows functional decline to some extent but at the cost of quality of life. Respiratory failure is managed with non-invasive ventilation. For patients with advanced ALS, invasive ventilation is an option that can prolong survival even as the disease continues to progress and body functions decline. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing diagnosis and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are examined in detail in this book. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in the field of neuroscience.