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Does ALS 14 Cause Muscle Issue?
My mother was diagnosed with ALS 14 months ago. She is unable to speak and uses a peg to eat. My concern is that she recently started having issues with opening her mouth. She can only.open it approx. 1.5cm in the front. Her doctor at the ALS clinic prescribed muscle relaxes, but they don t seem to be working. Is this a common symptom of ALS? Could it be something other than a muscular issue?
Thu, 21 May 2015
Hello dear,
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motor neuron disease affecting the anterior horn cells and thus destroying the muscles supplied by that neurons.
It is of many types with presentation varied. As per your narration it seems to bulbar onset with more involvement of speech and deglutination.
Some diseases may cause loss anterior horn cells but in majority cases it's idiopathic.
You need to consult neurologist regularly who can investigate properly and advice appropriate management at different stages of disease.
As of for treatment the option are limited.
Jejunostomy tube for feeding, tracheostomy and home ventilation for respiratory involvement.
Drug riluzole has some benefits and is recommended.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
God bless you and your family.
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motor neuron disease affecting the anterior horn cells and thus destroying the muscles supplied by that neurons.
It is of many types with presentation varied. As per your narration it seems to bulbar onset with more involvement of speech and deglutination.
Some diseases may cause loss anterior horn cells but in majority cases it's idiopathic.
You need to consult neurologist regularly who can investigate properly and advice appropriate management at different stages of disease.
As of for treatment the option are limited.
Jejunostomy tube for feeding, tracheostomy and home ventilation for respiratory involvement.
Drug riluzole has some benefits and is recommended.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
God bless you and your family.
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
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