Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that progressively damages the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure.

Diagnosis

There are no specific tests to definitively diagnose ALS. Instead, a series of examinations are performed to rule out other neurological conditions:

• Electrophysiological studies (Electromyography - EMG, Nerve Conduction Studies - NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function

• Histological examination of muscle tissue

• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis

• Muscle biopsy

• MRI and X-ray to exclude other neurological disorders

• Electromyography (EMG) to detect motor neuron degeneration

Treatment

Currently, ALS has no cure. Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing symptoms to improve quality of life.
Key treatment strategies include:

• Medication therapy – The drug Riluzole may slow disease progression by reducing nerve damage.

• Respiratory therapy – Non-invasive ventilation support for breathing difficulties.

• Physical therapy & rehabilitation – Helps maintain muscle function and mobility for as long as possible.

• Speech and swallowing therapy – Manages difficulties in communication and eating.

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• 14,000,000 – 90,000,000 KRW