• Kaur Anujot

Amyothrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease is the most commonest type of motor neuron disease represented by progressive weakness of muscles. There occurs degeneration of motor neurons in brain, brainstem and spinal cord. The incidence of ALS is 0.6-3.8 per 100000.The disease has varied clinical presentation which may be limb-onset or bulbar onset. The sensory modalities, sphincter control and ocular involvement is spared. The pathophysiology of the disease is unclear but supported by numerous mechanisms. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and crumping of neurofibrils exists in damaging the motor neurons by apoptosis. The diagnosis of ALS can be established by excluding other disorders mimicking same features and with the help of investigation techniques. The electromyography, nerve conduction studies, neuro imaging and laboratory findings are useful in diagnosing the disease. As there is no cure of this disorder palliative care and rehabilitation forms the mainstay of the management. The management requires multidisciplinary approach involving team members of vast domain including physiotherapists. Physiotherapy has proved to be an effective way of management with the help of compensatory and restorative strategies. The main objective of this paper is to review the literature about ALS and its veiled management.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Limb onset, El Escorial criteria, Physiotherapy, progressive weakness

"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - A Narrative Review ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 11, page no.1098-1102, November 2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRDS06165.pdf

"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - A Narrative Review ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 11, page no. pp1098-1102, November 2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRDS06165.pdf