The complications and symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A literature review

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that affects neurons, especially motor neurons, affecting the ability to send electrical impulses correctly, resulting in impaired functioning of voluntary contraction muscles. ALS is a progressive degenerative disease, so as the disease progresses, the symptoms progress and worsen, causing the patient to stop performing movements such as breathing, as a result of the involvement of the diaphragm muscle. The diagnosis is often time-consuming, complex and multifactorial, causing the possible carrier to go through several medical processes until the diagnosis is made. In the treatment, methods are used that help to slow down the progression of the disease, with the aim of increasing the patient's survival period, preserving their autonomy as much as possible. To date, there is still no cure for ALS. However, with the care of a qualified multidisciplinary team, it is possible to provide the patient with comfort and welcome during their treatment.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.012-010