ALS often starts with muscle weakness

On the occasion of June 21, World ALS Day, Neurology Specialist Assoc. Dr Hatice Köse Özlece stated that ALS is mainly caused by damage to nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. Assoc. states that the disease ALS manifests with progressive weakness in the hands, arms, legs and swallowing muscles. Dr Özlece said: “ALS is a disease that progresses with progressive damage to the anterior horn motor neurons in the spinal cord. Unfortunately, since there is sensitivity in the motor cells, this is usually manifested by muscle weakness in our patients. It can also present with progressive weakness in the hands, arms, legs, or swallowing muscles. One of the most common symptoms in patients is muscle twitching. In other words, jerking and shaking movements due to muscle weakness are a symptom of ALS.

“Not a common disease”

Underlining that ALS is a rare disease, Assoc. Dr. “It is not a very common disease. Some patients may be genetically predisposed to ALS. Sometimes chemical conditions that we don’t know much about can cause ALS,” he said.

Saying ALS is a serious disease, but the slightest twitching or muscle weakness does not indicate ALS, Assoc. Dr. He said the diagnosis is usually made by examining a detailed neurological exam, tests called EMG, some blood values ​​and even cerebrospinal fluid. Saying people concerned about minor twitching turn to the doctor with concerns about ALS, Assoc. Dr. “Little twitches are not an indicator of ALS,” he said succinctly.

“The reasons are not clear”

Assoc states that there are some methods that can halt the progression of ALS disease or make it run smoothly. Dr Özlece said: “Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for ALS disease, but we have some treatment options that can stop the progression of the disease and improve its course. Especially supportive treatments, muscle strengthening exercises, muscle strengthening supplements, support for breathing, swallowing and speaking can come to the fore in ALS.

Assoc explains that it’s probably not genetic. Dr. In summary, he stated that there is no direct transmission from mother to child or father to child, but ALS can also develop with the activation disorder of some genetically predisposed genes. Noting that mainly environmental factors are held responsible, Assoc. Dr. He also stated that the exact causes of ALS are not known. He advised applying neurological examination for complaints such as difficulty speaking, swallowing and muscle weakness; He pointed out that detailed tests can be performed, along with neurological examination if necessary.