Comprehensive Review of ALS and Stroke: Definitions, Symptoms, and Treatments

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons and leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure

ALS progression

Typically leads to death within 2-5 years after diagnosis

Upper motor neurons

Neurons that travel from the motor cortex to the spinal cord

Lower motor neurons

Neurons that travel from the spinal cord to muscles

ALS main effect

Loss of ability to send signals from brain to muscles

ALS symptoms

Loss of movement, difficulty speaking, eating, and breathing

ALS cognition

Cognition and sensation are not affected

ALS prevalence

About 30,000 people in the United States

ALS onset

Usually occurs after age 40

ALS gender difference

More common in males than females

Inherited ALS

About 10% of cases are genetic

ALS treatment

No cure; focuses on symptom management and quality of life

Stephen Hawking ALS

Lived 55 years with ALS due to slow progression and assistive technology

Stroke

Loss of brain function due to disruption of blood supply

Stroke prevalence

About 800,000 cases per year in the U.S.

Stroke mortality

Approximately 25% die within 1 year

Stroke survivors

About 8 million people in the U.S.

Stroke disability

75% experience disability affecting employability

Ischemic stroke

Stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow (87% of cases)

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A temporary blockage often called a mini-stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke

Stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel (13% of cases)

More fatal stroke type

Hemorrhagic stroke

Stroke warning signs

Sudden numbness, speech difficulty, vision problems, loss of balance

Stroke treatment importance

Immediate treatment is critical

Ischemic stroke treatment

Clot-busting drugs (tPA) or clot removal

Hemorrhagic stroke treatment

Control bleeding, reduce blood pressure, possible surgery

Hemiplegia

Paralysis on one side of the body

Hemiparesis

Weakness on one side of the body

Aphasia

Impairment of speech or language comprehension

Stroke vision impairment

Loss or disturbance of vision due to brain damage