Loic Maladie De Charcot

A rare, debilitating neurological disorder

Loic Maladie De Charcot, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, debilitating neurological disorder that affects the nerves that control voluntary muscle movement. This means that ALS can affect any muscle in the body, including those responsible for breathing, speaking, swallowing, and walking.

ALS is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. There is no cure for ALS, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with ALS.

Symptoms of ALS

The symptoms of ALS can vary depending on which muscles are affected. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of balance
• Falls

Causes of ALS

The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but there are a number of risk factors that have been identified, including:

• Age: ALS is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 40 and 70.
• Family history: People who have a family history of ALS are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
• Military service: Veterans are at an increased risk of developing ALS, especially those who served in the Gulf War.
• Environmental toxins: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as lead and mercury, has been linked to an increased risk of ALS.

Treatment for ALS

There is no cure for ALS, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with ALS. These treatments include:

• Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of ALS, such as muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, and pain relievers.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve muscle strength and range of motion, and to prevent falls.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help people with ALS to learn how to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
• Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help people with ALS to improve their speech and swallowing.
• Respiratory therapy: Respiratory therapy can help people with ALS to improve their breathing.

Prognosis for ALS

The prognosis for ALS varies depending on the individual. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 5 years, but some people with ALS live for many years longer.