What is the Pathophysiology of ALS?
Motor neurons die, and the muscles they serve atrophy. S&S vary by motor neurons affected.
What is ALS?
Progressive degeneration and loss of both upper and lower motor neurons leaving mental status intact. It results in degeneration in the Medulla and Spinal Cord.
What do you look for in ALS?
▪️Impaired speech ▪️Difficulty chewing and swallowing ▪️Difficulty breathing ▪️Depression ▪️Choking ▪️Excessive drooling
What diagnostic tests are performed with ALS?
▪️Electromyography and muscle biopsy
▪️Serum creatinine
▪️Pulmonary function tests
What medications are used with ALS?
- muscle relaxants; control muscle spasticity; anticholinergic (reduce oral secretions); anti-seizure
- Rilutek (riluzole) effective in the Rx of ALS to extent survival time
What are the nursing diagnoses for ALS?
- Impaired physical mobility r/t muscle weakness and atrophy
- Altered nutrition r/t dysphagia
- Impaired gas exchange r/t bulbar and respiratory muscles weakness and inability to clear muscles
- Hoplessness r/t terminal condition
What is Guillain-Barré?
•Acute, progressive inflammation and demyelination of nerve endings of the peripheral nervous system
What causes Guillain-Barré?
Unknown with possible links to mild viral uri or vaccines.
What is the Pathophysiology of Guillain-Barré?
- Acute- occurs and progresses quickly
- myelin is attacked- nerves not damaged, just myelin
- may affect cranial nerves (except I &II)
- cognitive ability intact
- can last months to years
- recovery seen in 80% of causes
