ALS

Question 1

What is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Answer 1

Death of upper and lower motor neurons

Question 2

ALS symptoms

Answer 2

Dependent on which motor neurons are effected
Cramping, weakness, atrophy, twitching, difficulty chewing/swallowing dysarthria, decreased respirations

Question 3

Criteria to diagnose ALS

Answer 3

Upper or lower motor neuron dysfunction; Bulbar, cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral motor neuron
involvement
-Definite: 3/4
-Probable: 2/4
-Possible: 1/4

Question 4

What does an LP show in ALS

Answer 4

Elevated light and heavy chains are markers of neurodegeneration

Question 5

ALS treatment

Answer 5

No definitive treatment
Riluzole increases length of survival