Overview

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. This condition impacts motor neurons, which are responsible for voluntary muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

This page offers a complete overview of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. We'll explore its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the potential ALS treatment options available, including cellular therapy, advanced regenerative medicine techniques offered by Dr. B.S. Rajput and his team.

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

ALS is a severe condition that progressively impairs voluntary muscle control. As the disease progresses, motor neurons degenerate, leading to muscle weakness, wasting, and eventually paralysis. It can significantly affect daily activities and overall quality of life.

History

Why is ALS called Lou Gehrig's Disease?

ALS is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease after the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with ALS in the 1930s.

Baseball legend Lou Gehrig, known for his incredible durability and hitting prowess, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This happened during a visit with his wife Eleanor on his 36th birthday, June 19, 1939. ALS, now frequently referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, tragically forced him to retire from baseball at a young age. He is best remembered for his emotional farewell from the sport.

How Does ALS Affect You?

ALS can affect various aspects of your life:

ALS can weaken the muscles responsible for breathing, necessitating the use of ventilatory support in advanced stages.

How Does ALS Affect Other Abilities?

In addition to breathing, ALS can impair the ability to speak, swallow, and move, making everyday tasks challenging.

Two Categories of ALS:

  • Sporadic ALS: This is the most common form, accounting for about 90% of cases. The cause of sporadic ALS remains unknown.
  • Familial ALS: This form is less common (around 10% of cases) and has a genetic component.

Who Gets ALS?

ALS can affect anyone, but it most commonly appears between the ages of 40 and 70. Men are slightly more likely to develop ALS than women.

About 10% of ALS cases are familial, meaning they run in families. If you have a close relative with ALS, you have a slightly increased risk of developing the disease.

How Common is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is considered a relatively uncommon disease. Estimates suggest it affects around 5-6 people per 100,000 in India, translating to roughly 5,000 to 6,000 new cases identified annually. In the United States, the estimated number of new ALS diagnoses each year falls around 5,000 as well.

Signs & Symptoms

Early symptoms of ALS can be subtle and vary depending on the initially affected nerves. Some common signs include:

Causes of ALS

The exact cause of sporadic ALS remains unknown. However, several factors might be involved, including:

  • Genetics (in familial ALS)
  • Environmental factors
  • Autoimmune dysfunction

How is ALS Diagnosed?

There's no single test to diagnose ALS. Doctors typically use a combination of methods, including:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) to assess nerve function
  • Imaging tests like MRI scans to rule out other conditions

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis in Delhi and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis in Mumbai involves a series of tests, including electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and MRI scans. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management.

ALS Management and Treatment

Currently, there's no cure for ALS. However, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This may include:

  • Medications: to manage muscle weakness, spasticity, pain, and drooling.
  • Physical and occupational therapy: to maintain muscle strength, function, and independence.
  • Speech therapy: to assist with communication difficulties.
  • Nutritional support: to ensure proper nutrition and hydration.

ALS disease cellular treatment in Delhi and ALS disease treatment in Mumbai focuses on slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cellular therapy in Delhi and in Mumbai includes:

  • Cellular therapy
  • Tissue grafting
  • Tissue regeneration
  • Blood derived growth factors
  • Very less surgery
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Regenerative therapy
  • Tissue transplant

Dr. B S Rajput and his team of consultants at Cumballa Hill Hospital in Mumbai and Elantis Hospital in New Delhi offer cutting-edge treatments. Their Department of Orthopaedics and Advanced Orthobiologics can be referred as, Advanced Centre for Cellular Therapy in Orthopaedic and Neuromuscular Disorders, it provides advanced care for ALS patients.

Best ALS Cellular Treatment Centers

Best ALS treatment centers in Delhi and Mumbai are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offer comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.

Can ALS Be Prevented?

Currently, there is no known way to prevent ALS. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet might contribute to overall well-being. However, ongoing research is aimed at understanding the disease better to develop preventive strategies in the future.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy after an ALS diagnosis is 3 to 5 years. However, this can vary significantly depending on the individual's health and disease progression.

Possible Complications of ALS

ALS can lead to severe complications, including respiratory failure, pneumonia, and significant mobility issues.

  • Respiratory failure: In advanced stages, ALS can weaken the diaphragm, making breathing difficult and requiring ventilator support.
  • Pneumonia: Difficulty swallowing and coughing can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
  • Malnutrition: Muscle weakness can make eating challenging, leading to malnutrition.
  • Emotional distress: Living with a progressive disease can cause anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Living with ALS

Living with ALS can be challenging, but there's help available. Support groups, social services, and assistive devices can significantly improve quality of life.

Living with ALS requires comprehensive care and support. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis supportive therapy in Delhi and in Mumbai includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help manage symptoms and maintain function.

Key Points about ALS

  • ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons.
  • It causes muscle weakness, wasting, and eventually paralysis.
  • There's no cure for ALS, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical.
  • Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
  • Advanced treatments include cellular therapy and regenerative medicine.
  • Leading experts like Dr. BS Rajput & his associates provide specialized care in Delhi and Mumbai for ALS patients.

Hope Through Regenerative Medicine Techniques for ALS

While there's no definitive cure for ALS, there's ongoing research exploring new treatment options. One promising area is regenerative medicine and cellular therapies, which focus on promoting tissue regeneration and repair. Dr. B.S. Rajput, a leading orthobiologist & cellular transplant surgeon associated with Cumballa Hill Hospital in Mumbai and Elantis Hospital in New Delhi, offers innovative regenerative therapy approaches for ALS patients through his practice, Dr. Rajput and Associates, part of the Department of Orthopaedics and Advanced Orthobiologics.

These techniques aim to support the body's natural healing mechanisms and potentially slow down disease progression. Here's an overview of some potential approaches:

  • Cellular Therapy: This involves introducing healthy tissue into the body to promote repair and regeneration. Potential sources include bone marrow aspirate concentrate & PRP (platelet-rich plasma).
  • Blood-Derived Growth Factors: These are signaling molecules found in blood that can stimulate tissue repair and growth. They may be used in conjunction with cellular therapy to enhance its effectiveness.

Important Considerations:

It's crucial to understand that these regenerative medicine approaches for ALS are still under investigation. More research is needed to determine their long-term efficacy and safety. Dr. B.S. Rajput and his team will thoroughly discuss these considerations and potential benefits and risks with each patient on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits of Regenerative Medicine Techniques:

  • Minimally Invasive: These procedures often involve very little surgery compared to traditional surgeries, potentially leading to faster recovery times and reduced discomfort.
  • Harnessing the Body's Potential: By utilizing the body's own healing mechanisms, these techniques offer a potentially more natural approach to treatment.

Dr. B.S. Rajput and his Associates are committed to exploring the potential of regenerative medicine for ALS patients. If you're interested in learning more about these approaches and how they might benefit you, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajput in Delhi or Mumbai.

Cost of Autologous Cellular Transplant/ Therapy in ALS

Procedural cost depends upon the class of hospital and room grade and it ranges from 2,75,000 to 4,75,000 Indian rupees per session/ admission.

Make an Appointment

For comprehensive care and the latest treatments for ALS, schedule an appointment with Dr. BS Rajput and Associates at Cumballa Hill Hospital in Mumbai or Elantis Hospital in New Delhi. The best ALS Cellular therapy treatment centers in Delhi and best ALS treatment centers in Mumbai are ready to provide the highest level of care.

Contact Us

Cumballa Hill Hospital, Mumbai: [Call +91-9820850187, 9820800187}

Elantis Hospital, New Delhi: [call +91-9820850187, 9820800187}

Stay informed and proactive in managing ALS with the support of top specialists and advanced treatments available in Delhi and Mumbai.

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