Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s illness, is a progressive neurological illness that impacts muscle motion. The identify comes from the Greek phrase amyotrophic, which means undernourishment of the muscle mass, with “a” which means “no,” “myo” which means “muscle,” and “trophic” which means “nourishment.” The lateral aspect reveals the spinal wire, the place the elements of the nerve cells that ship indicators and management the muscle mass are situated. Degeneration of this space causes scarring or hardening, generally known as sclerosis.
What’s ALS?
Muscle actions within the human physique are managed by motor neurons, that are nerve cells within the mind and spinal wire. In individuals with ALS, the motor neurons degenerate and die, so messages despatched from the mind not attain the muscle mass, which causes the muscle mass to atrophy (lose muscle energy and turn out to be weak). As signs progress, the mind ultimately loses management of voluntary actions, together with strolling, chewing, and even respiration.
Greater than 90% of ALS instances are sporadic and haven’t any household historical past. The situation is said to life-style, occupation, and environmental elements, however it’s thought that genetic mutations may additionally play a task.
threat elements
Though ALS can develop at any age, signs usually start between the ages of 55 and 75, and males usually tend to develop the illness than girls, NINDS says. Hypertension and smoking are threat elements.
This dysfunction is often generally known as Lou Gehrig’s illness, named after the American baseball participant who needed to retire from energetic sports activities as a result of illness.
Signs and development
Early signs of ALS embody muscle spasms within the arms, legs, shoulders, and tongue. Muscle spasms. Muscle pressure or stiffness. Muscle weak spot within the limbs and neck. Slurred speech or nasal voice. and problem chewing and swallowing.
As signs progress, they manifest as problem chewing and swallowing meals. Drool. Problem respiration. An unintentional expression of emotion. And constipation. Folks with superior ALS have problem standing, strolling, and utilizing their limbs, and will develop melancholy and frontotemporal dementia, generally known as FTD-ALS, though their capacity to purpose, keep in mind, and perceive isn’t affected.
The Nationwide Institute of Neurological Problems and Stroke (NINDS) says most individuals with ALS die from respiratory failure inside three to 5 years after signs seem. One in 10 individuals survives for greater than 10 years.
Though there may be presently no remedy for this situation, numerous remedies and therapies might help handle signs and enhance high quality of life.
ALS in India
The research, “Medical Profile of Indian Sufferers with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Hospital-Based mostly Retrospective Research,” was revealed in a peer-reviewed journal in 2013. Neurology evaluated the scientific profile of ALS sufferers from a tertiary referral middle in northern India. This research was performed by Nirendra Rai et al. Dr. Rai is a neurologist working in trauma and emergency medication on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Bhopal on the time of the research. The outcomes confirmed that ALS sufferers in India had an earlier onset of signs.
Though males have been youthful than girls on the onset of the illness, they introduced for remedy later. Globular-onset ALS, a sort of ALS through which motor neurons start to degenerate within the bulbar area of the brainstem, was extra frequent in older sufferers. This research concluded that the variations in signs between women and men warrant additional analysis, together with genetic/hormonal influences.
prognosis and remedy
Analysis entails testing blood and urine samples and a spinal faucet check, which entails inserting a needle between two bones within the decrease again to take a pattern of spinal fluid. Nerve conduction research measure the power of nerves to ship impulses to totally different elements of the physique. Electromyogram for recording muscle exercise. and muscle and nerve biopsies.
Though there isn’t any remedy that may reverse neurodegeneration, there are some remedies that may gradual its development. Therapy plans embody bodily remedy, occupational remedy, and speech remedy to enhance high quality of life. Bodily remedy might help cut back the danger of falls and joint ache, and enhance mobility and independence. Workouts akin to strolling, swimming, and biking might help maximize muscle energy and keep its operate.
Occupational and speech remedy can even assist individuals stay independently. Because the situation progresses, assistive gadgets can additional assist the affected person.
state analysis
Analysis is underway to establish biomarkers related to ALS. Analysis can be ongoing to grasp what triggers motor neuron degeneration in ALS. Analysis performed to this point means that glial assist cells (cells that assist neurons) and inflammatory cells within the nervous system might play an necessary position in ALS.
The 2016 paper “Predicted enhance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from 2015 to 2040” nature communicationsArthur, Okay., Calbo, A., Value, T. others I’m making a word ofThe variety of ALS instances worldwide is predicted to extend from 222,801 in 2015 to 376,674 in 2040, a rise of 69%. In response to the report, Africa will see the most important enhance at 116%, adopted by Asia at 81% and South America at 73%.
(R. Sujatha is an unbiased journalist based mostly in Chennai. sujatha.raghunath@gmail.com)
issued – November 26, 2025 4:45 PM IST
