Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Description
ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a degenerative disease of the motor neurons, characterized by weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the hands and arms, spreading throughout the body and face.
It progresses rapidly and is invariably fatal. There is no accepted treatment or cure.
Causes
As with other motor neuron diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis), there is no simple explanation. A variety of factors have been implicated:
An unidentified gene?
An unidentified toxin?
An unidentified virus?
An auto-immune disorder?
Enzyme deficiency?
Nutrient deficiency?
Signs & Symptoms
ALS is characterized by weakness and atrophy of the hands, forearms and legs, finally involving the rest of the body and the face.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Nutrients for Brain Support
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General Supplements
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| Beta Carotene | 100,000 IU |
| Fish oils* | |
| Phosphatidyl choline / serine* | |
| Proanthocyanidins | 300 mg |
| Selenium* | |
| Vitamin C | 5,000 mg |
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Cold water fish is recommended. This also means that saturated fats should be avoided.
Green vegetables and juices may also be beneficial for sclerotic conditions, generally.
Homeopathic Remedy
Galium
Thuja occidentalis tinct.
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Ginkgo Biloba
Kombucha mushroom
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Carrot seed Essence, | Juniper Essence, |
| Pine Essence, | Spruce Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
AbstractsReferences
Anderson FA Jr & Miller RG: ALS care: a resource for measuring and improving ALS outcomes. Neurology, 1996 Oct, 47:4 Suppl 2, S113-5; discussion S115-6.
Beckman, J. S et al., Nature (London) 1993, 364, 584.
Bruijn LI et al., Elevated free nitrotyrosine levels, but not protein-bound nitrotyrosine or hydroxyl radicals, throughout amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-like disease implicate tyrosine nitration as an aberrant in vivo property of one familial ALS-linked superoxide dismutase 1 mutant. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1997 Jul 8, 94:14, 7606-11.
Gurney, ME et al., Benefit of vitamin E, riluzole and gabapentin in a transgenic model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann. Neurol. 1996, 39:147-157.
Mazzini-L et al: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and enteral nutrition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J-Neurol. 1995 Oct; 242(10): 695-8.
Przedborski S et al., Blood superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurodegeneration, 1996 Mar, 5:1, 57-64.
Rothstein, JD et al., Decreased glutamate transport by brain and spinal cord in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NEJM. 1992, 326:1,464-1,468.
Rothstein, JD et al., Chronic inhibition of superoxide dismutase produces apoptotic death of spinal neurons. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 1994, 91:4,155-4,159.
Rothstein, JD: Excitotoxic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Adv. Neurol. 1995, 68:7-20.
Rothstein, JD & Kuncl, RW: Neuroprotective strategies in a model of chronic glutamate-mediated motor neuron toxicity. J. Neurochem. 1995, 65:643-651.
Strand EA et al., Management of oral-pharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Dysphagia, 1996 Spring, 11:2, 129-39.
Welnetz-K: Maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration in the dysphagic ALS patient Canadian-Nurse 1983 Mar; 79(3): 30-4 (21 ref).
Wiedau-Pazos, M et al., Science 1996, 271, 515-518
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