ALS: Lou Gherig’s Disease

By: Joe and Frank

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Disease where the brains nerves that control involuntary movement corrode and atrophy your muscles causing them to stop working and die horribly

Parts of the nervous system affected

Death of motor neurons in the motor cortex

Causes

Genetic- gained from your familyIdiopathic- unknown

Treatment

No known curePhysical therapyCan treat with riluzole and baclofen

Pharmacology

Baclofen◦Reduces muscle spasms

Riluzole◦Slows progression

Progression of Disease

Rib cage muscles or throat muscles stop working, no more eating on your own

Loss of movementDeath in 2 to 5 years

◦Silver lining: you keep control of bladder and bowl control

Expected outcome

Death