Symptoms and Prevention Methods of Lou Gehrig's Disease
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| symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease |
1. Etymology of Lou Gehrig's disease
Lou Gehrig's disease is named after Lou Gehrig, a famous American baseball player who was diagnosed with the disease in 1939. The disease was originally referred to as "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" (ALS), which is derived from the Greek words "a" (not), "myo" (muscle), "trophic" (nourishment), "lateral" (side), and "sclerosis" (hardening). This name was first used in the medical literature in the late 19th century to describe the characteristic hardening of the lateral column of the spinal cord that occurs in people with ALS.
However, the name "Lou Gehrig's disease" gained popularity due to the public attention and awareness brought by Gehrig's diagnosis and subsequent death from the disease in 1941 at the age of 37. Since then, the name has been widely used in the United States, while the term "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" is more commonly used in other parts of the world.
2. Symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease
Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure. The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person and depend on which muscles are affected first. Some common symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease include:
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| symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease |
①Muscle weakness
The weakness usually starts in the arms or legs, causing difficulty in gripping objects, tripping, or dropping things. It may also affect the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat, making it difficult to chew, swallow, and speak.
②Difficulty speaking
As the disease progresses, the muscles used for speaking become weak, making it challenging to communicate.
③Twitching and cramping
Some people with ALS may experience twitching or cramping of muscles.
④Loss of muscle mass
As the muscles become weaker, they may start to shrink or waste away, leading to a loss of muscle mass.
⑤Difficulty breathing
As the muscles used for breathing weaken, breathing becomes difficult, and may require the use of a ventilator.
⑥Fatigue
People with ALS often experience fatigue, even with minimal physical activity.
⑦Difficulty walking
As the disease progresses, it may become difficult to walk, and a wheelchair or other mobility aids may be needed.
It's important to note that these symptoms may be caused by other conditions as well, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified medical professional. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
3. How to treat Lou Gehrig's disease
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and no treatment that can stop or reverse the progression of the disease. However, there are treatments and therapies that can help manage the symptoms of the disease and improve quality of life for people with ALS. These may include:
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| How to treat Lou Gehrig's disease |
①Medications
Medications can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of ALS, such as muscle cramps, pain, and spasticity.
②Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, as well as improve balance and coordination.
③Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy can help people with ALS adapt to changes in their abilities and find ways to perform everyday tasks more easily.
④Speech therapy
Speech therapy can help people with ALS maintain their ability to speak and swallow as long as possible.
⑤Breathing support
As the disease progresses, people with ALS may need breathing support, such as non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or invasive ventilation through a tracheostomy.
⑥Nutritional support
Nutritional support, including a high-calorie diet and supplements, may be needed to help maintain weight and prevent malnutrition.
⑦Emotional and psychological support
ALS can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, and support from family, friends, and mental health professionals can help manage the emotional and psychological impact of the disease.
It's important to work closely with a medical team that specializes in ALS care to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs and preferences.
