Anatom3D
ENCZDE
Download

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Sclerosis lateralis amyotrophica · Amyotrofická laterální skleróza (ALS)

What it is

Motor neurons die; muscles waste while the mind stays intact.

Symptoms & signs

  • Progressive weakness
  • muscle twitching (fasciculations)
  • cramps
  • slurred speech
  • swallowing trouble
  • breathlessness

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Breathlessness at rest or blue lips
  • call 112 / 911 now Choking on food or drink
  • see a doctor soon Waking with headaches or breathless lying flat
  • see a doctor soon Weight loss or chest infections from swallowing trouble

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Riluzole — about 2–3 months' longer survival
  • edaravone — benefit disputed; not licensed in the EU
  • tofersen for SOD1
  • non-invasive ventilation
  • feeding tube
  • multidisciplinary clinic

Natural & lifestyle

  • High-calorie diet (may help those who decline fast)
  • gentle exercise
  • speech and physiotherapy
  • assistive communication devices

Emerging & experimental

  • Antisense oligonucleotides
  • CRISPR C9orf72 programmes
  • stem cells (NurOwn) — phase 3 missed its goal
  • brain-computer interfaces

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Ultra-high-dose methylcobalamin (JETALS trial) — slowed decline in early patients; approved in Japan mixed evidence
  • Ketogenic and high-fat diets — early studies early / small studies
  • Lithium — trials found no benefit not confirmed in trials
  • Stem-cell clinics abroad — expensive and unregulated; no proven benefit anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes