No Cure
There is no cure for ALS yet, but we do have methods to slow the progression of the disease as well as improve quality of life of those affected.
Medications to reduce glutamate, suck as rilutek.
Glutamate is an amino acid that helps send messages from nerve cells to nerve cells. Usually, when a nerve cell has passed it message, the glutamate is cleared from the cell. In ALS patients, the amino acid responsible for clearing the nerve cell does not work at maximum efficiency. In order to assist in the process of clearing glutamate from the nerve cells and slow the progression of the disease, medicines can be taken to reduce glutamate levels.
Treatment based on symptoms.
Other then reducing glutamate levels, symptoms can be treated as they occur, such as:
There is no cure for ALS yet, but we do have methods to slow the progression of the disease as well as improve quality of life of those affected.
Medications to reduce glutamate, suck as rilutek.
Glutamate is an amino acid that helps send messages from nerve cells to nerve cells. Usually, when a nerve cell has passed it message, the glutamate is cleared from the cell. In ALS patients, the amino acid responsible for clearing the nerve cell does not work at maximum efficiency. In order to assist in the process of clearing glutamate from the nerve cells and slow the progression of the disease, medicines can be taken to reduce glutamate levels.
Treatment based on symptoms.
Other then reducing glutamate levels, symptoms can be treated as they occur, such as:
- Physical therapy can help lengthen muscle use and increase circulation in early stages of ALS.
- Permanent ventilation support can be provided when breathing becomes to difficult
- Baclofen, which relieves stiffness in your arms and legs, as well as your throat.
- Using nutritional supplements called branch chain amino acids, can slow weight and muscle loss.
- Cramps can be relieved using Phenytoin
For more information regarding these medications visit the links below