Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease that causes weakness of the muscles and impacts the affected individual’s ability to function physically. It affects the nervous system, making it a neurological disease that is treated by an orthopedic doctor. The disease acts on the nervous system by causing nerve cells to break down and die over time. It is not known why the disease occurs in most cases although some are the result of genetics.

Symptoms and signs of ALS which occur early include:

•    Weakness of the feet, legs or ankles

•    Inability to walk normally or perform normal activities

•    Clumsiness or weakness in the hands

•    Slurred speech

•    Difficulty swallowing

•    Twitching or muscle cramps in the arms, shoulders or tongue

•    Difficulty keeping your head elevated or maintaining an erect posture

Anyone who experiences any of these signs or symptoms should see an orthopedic doctor for diagnosis. Symptoms typically begin in the hands, feet or limbs before spreading to other areas of the body. As the ALS continues to advance, muscles continue to become weaker. Eventually, it becomes difficult to chew or swallow or then speak and breathe. These symptoms are the result of cell death that gradually causes death of muscle tissue. Although a small percentage of cases occur as a result of heredity, other causes that researchers are looking at as causes include gene mutations, chemical imbalances, and a disorganized immune response which occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own immune cells.

Diagnosing ALS

The orthopedic doctor will use tests to eliminate other diseases rather than a test that is specific for ALS. Possible tests that will be used for your diagnosis include:

•    Electromyogram (EMG) – During this test, the orthopedic doctor will insert a needle electrode into different muscles to measure electrical activity. They will look for any abnormalities that occur when the muscles contract and then rest.

•    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This test uses radio waves to create a detailed image of the brain and spinal cord. It will detect tumors of the spine and herniated disks in the vertebrae that may be the cause of symptoms.

•    Spinal Tap – A sample of the spinal fluid will be removed from the spine by inserting a needle into the space between the vertebrae for the purpose of laboratory testing.

•    Muscle Biopsy – This test might be performed if a disease of the muscle is suspected. It involves putting the patient under anesthesia and taking a sample of the muscle for laboratory testing.

•    Blood and Urine Tests –Some conditions can be eliminated through analysis of blood and urine.

Once the disease has been identified and you have received a diagnosis, the only option available to the patient and the orthopedic doctor is to attempt to slow the progression of symptoms and increase the comfort of the patient. Any damage that has already occurred cannot be reversed. Due to the complexities associated with the disease, treatment may be a combined effort between the orthopedic doctor and those trained in a number of specialty areas. This can increase the odds of the patient having a prolonged survival and a better quality of life. For Los Angeles based Orthopedic Doctor, please visit - Orthopedic Doctor Los Angeles.