What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Disease description:
Recently, my uncle has often felt weakness in one leg. After a hospital examination, the doctor diagnosed him with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Its main characteristics include gradual muscle atrophy and weakness. The condition typically starts in one limb and progressively spreads to the opposite side, eventually affecting all skeletal muscles, including the respiratory and swallowing muscles.
The causes of ALS may be related to multiple factors, including genetic factors, bacterial infections, viral infections, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to toxins. For example, exposure to harmful substances such as pesticides or heavy metals, as well as head injuries, may trigger the disease.
In the early stages, patients may experience symptoms such as clumsiness and impaired fine motor skills in the fingers. As the disease progresses, muscle atrophy worsens and spreads from the hands to the forearms, upper limbs, and shoulder girdle muscles, ultimately leading to limb weakness or even paralysis. As the condition advances, patients may develop bulbar palsy, presenting symptoms such as slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In the later stages, patients may also exhibit signs of upper motor neuron damage in the brainstem, such as hyperactive jaw reflexes, along with abnormalities in urinary and respiratory function.
