Does amyotrophic lateral sclerosis skip generations in inheritance?

Written by Liu Shi Xiang
Neurology
Updated on September 26, 2024
00:00
00:00

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, may possibly be inherited through generations. The exact cause of ALS is still not very clear, but there is a certain genetic predisposition. Patients with ALS gradually experience symptoms such as limb weakness and muscle atrophy. As the disease progresses, it will eventually lead to difficulties in speech, swallowing disorders, and breathing difficulties, resulting in the patient losing the ability to take care of themselves independently and requiring full-time care from others. Currently, ALS is an incurable disease. The treatment available to patients includes medications to nourish the nerves and systematic rehabilitation training. However, this treatment can only improve the symptoms to a certain extent and enhance the quality of life but cannot stop the progression of the disease. Eventually, the patient will be confined to bed.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
46sec home-news-image

Do people with ALS experience frequent muscle twitching?

Muscle twitching in people with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) can be very frequent. When muscles in ALS patients experience spasms, irritation, weakness, or fatigue, twitching is likely to occur. Muscle twitching in ALS patients is generally very frequent and is related to the disease. ALS, often referred to as motor neuron disease, is caused by degenerative changes in the central nervous system, such as the spinal cord and brain, leading to damage in the neuromuscular system, resulting in muscle atrophy, twitching, and tremors. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation and, once diagnosed, pursue active treatment which may include nutritional support, massage acupuncture, and functional exercise.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
37sec home-news-image

Can early-stage ALS be cured?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as motor neuron disease, is a condition that exclusively affects motor neurons without involving sensory neurons. Even if identified early, there are currently no specific medications to cure this disease; treatment can only be symptomatic and rehabilitative. Such approaches can alleviate symptoms. When symptoms are initially mild, medication can only slow down its progression but cannot cure it. The condition inevitably worsens gradually. Rehabilitative treatment can help reduce symptoms or delay the progression of the disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
47sec home-news-image

Can amyotrophic lateral sclerosis be relieved?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) refers to a motor neuron disease, and generally speaking, there are no effective alleviation measures for this disease. Currently, the specific causes and pathogenesis of this disease are not very clear. Various factors lead to the simultaneous damage of both upper and lower motor neurons in patients. Clinical manifestations include muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations. Additionally, patients may experience difficulties with swallowing, choking while drinking water, and speech disorders. In its most severe form, it can affect breathing, leading to respiratory failure. This disease progressively worsens, and the prognosis is generally poor with no effective relief methods available.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
51sec home-news-image

What to do with respiratory failure in the late stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an irreversible disease, also known as motor neuron disease. Its motor function deteriorates progressively and irreversibly. Therefore, in the advanced stages, respiratory failure can only be managed with the help of a ventilator, which assists the patient's breathing mechanically. Consequently, patients typically require a tracheotomy in the late stages of the disease. Once connected to a ventilator via a tracheotomy, the ventilator becomes a permanent necessity. If at any point the ventilator is stopped, the patient would die due to lack of oxygen and the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body. Therefore, they must wear the ventilator for life. Inevitably, this leads to respiratory-related complications, such as lung infections.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
1min 4sec home-news-image

How to exercise for swallowing difficulties in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Swallowing difficulties in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis primarily involve exercises for oral muscles. Improvement in the movement of oral muscles can alleviate symptoms of swallowing difficulties. Rehabilitation training for oral muscle disorders mainly includes enhancing the movements of the lips, tongue, and lower jaw. Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who have brainstem damage and medullary damage may experience swallowing difficulties, water drinking issues, and cough choking, primarily due to sensory disturbances in the throat. By utilizing temperature and sensory stimulation, the sensation in the patient's throat can be restored, allowing them to perceive the temperature and taste of food, thus reducing aspiration. After brainstem damage, the cricopharyngeal muscle does not open, which can be improved through balloon dilation and medication to enhance swallowing function.