Impact of a rehabilitation program in the overall survival of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

The Main Molecular Bases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Integrating Review

“…[5,15] On the other hand, individuals with cervical onset ALS, with degeneration of the lower and upper motor neurons responsible for the movement of the trunk and upper limbs, may present amyotrophy and muscular weakness in the upper limbs with myo fasciculations and the reflexes may be intensified or reduced. [1,6] Individuals with lumbar onset ALS, with degeneration of lower and upper motor neurons responsible for lower limb movement, may present weakness in the lower limbs, lowered foot, and cramps. [1,7]…”

“…Studies have shown about 10% false positive results at diagnosis in the past decade, due to the fact that clinical manifestations at the onset of ALS may be confounded with other diseases such as post-polio syndrome, monoclonal gammopathies, endocrinopathies, adrenoleukodystrophy, primary lateral sclerosis, benign fasciculation, lymphoma, myelopathies, HIV1 infections, HTLV1, varicella zoster, brucellosis, borreliosis, syphilis and lymphoreticulosis, and poisoning by metals such as lead, mercury, and aluminum 1. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]…”

“…In cases of proven hypoxia, the use of oxygen therapy is recommended. [6] The complications of ALS are flaccid paresis, reduction and later absence of reflexes, spastic paresis, reduction of nerve conduction velocity, which will result in respiratory and motor insufficiency, progressive bulbar paralysis, speech problems, sialorrhea, venous thrombosis, cramps, depression, anxiety, paraplegia, hypercapnia, alveolar hypoventilation among others. [20] Respiratory failure and its complications are responsible for about 85% of cases of ALS deaths.…”

“…[5] Diagnosis begins with physical examination, complementary and specific exams for confirmation. [6] As established by the World Federation of Neurology, the diagnosis should be made through clinical examination, electromyography, assessment of neurogenic abnormalities and progression of the clinical picture, and differential diagnosis. [3] According to the diagnosis and degree of degeneration of motor neurons, the diagnosis can be subclassified as: Definitive ALS, probable ALS, probable ALS with laboratory support, possible ALS, and ALS suspected.…”