Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, slowly, but constantly progressing disease of the central nervous system that is associated with the death of motor neurons (motor nerve cells). It is impossible to treat this pathology. Nowadays, there are no medications that could significantly slow the progression of the disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis leads to the death of the patient in a few years after the diagnosis. A novel promising therapeutic technique is stem cell ALS treatment in Germany.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – Diagnostics

All above-mentioned symptoms are caused by the death of motor neurons. But they may die not only because of ALS.

There is a group of illnesses that manifest with similar symptoms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be met rarely – just 1-2 cases per 100,000 a year. That is why, ALS is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Diagnostics is based on the clinical examination and electrophysiological methods. Diagnostic criteria are:

• Signs of the central and peripheral motor neurons lesions
• Symptoms progression in dynamics

Besides, it’s important to exclude the other pathologies that can cause the same signs, such as:

• Spondylogenic cervical myelopathy
• Diabetic amyotrophy
• Oncological diseases
• Disseminated sclerosis
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Duchenne disease

Instrumental diagnostics methods are used for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis detection:

• Stimulation and needle electromyography
• MRI of brain and spinal cord

Laboratory diagnostics:

• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
• Analyzes for infections (HIV, syphilis, Lyme disease)
• Molecular genetic analyzes

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is considered as confirmed if central and peripheral motor neurons are damaged in three of four central nervous system sections (brain stem, lumbar, cervical, and thoracic sections of spinal cord).

Genetic examination results, which revealed mutations associated with ALS, are also considered as reliable signs.

Best clinics for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnostics in Germany:

Beta Clinic Bonn

6991.81

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Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin

15000.00

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Charite University Hospital Berlin

9678.02

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – Treatment

The basis of therapy is a symptomatic treatment. It includes the intake of medicines, a special diet and lifestyle modification.

Symptomatic therapy is prescribed by the doctor depending on the patient’s needs and disease course peculiarities.

Other ways of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment:

• Rilutek is a medicine that slows down the neurons death and prolongs patient’s life for a month on average. It also postpones the need in ALV (artificial lung ventilation) for about several months.
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy. During the surgery, a tube is implanted into the patient’s stomach. It comes out through the abdominal wall. The patient will receive food through this tube when he won’t be able to swallow independently.
• HAL-therapy is a new treatment method that is applied only in Japan and Germany. Patient uses the robotic suit for the lower limbs that helps him to move. This way, muscles atrophy slows down and motor functions are preserved for a longer period of time.
• «NurOwn» technology is at the final phase of clinical trials. It is developed in Israel and is being studied in several clinics in the USA. «NurOwn» technology is based on the use of patient’s stem cells. Injections with stem cells help to protect the motor neurons form damage and also improve the neuromuscular connections. Preliminary results showed that 87% of patients give response to the stem cells treatment.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – Innovative treatment

Stem cell treatment for ALS in Germany is aimed at restoring motor neurons that are damaged in patients with this disease. Although pathogenetic mechanism of neuronal damage remains unknown, introduction of the pluripotent stem cells can alleviate disease manifestations significantly. ALS stem cell treatment in Germany is successfully applied in clinical practice for over 5 years, but still requires additional research for assessment of long-term results and, possibly, elaboration of more effective therapeutic techniques.

How to apply for stem cell therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? There are few sources of stem cells, including olfactory ensheathing and mesenchymal stem cells. Depending on the prevalent symptoms, they can be introduced by the intracranial or intraspinal delivery method. Other possible options are intrathecal and intravenous injections.

Can amyotrophic lateral sclerosis be treated with stem cells completely? Currently, ALS stem cell treatment in Germany slows down the disease progression, as assessed by ALS Functional Rating Scale. This gives patients additional years of life and provides them with better quality of life.

Best clinics for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment in Germany:

Beta Clinic Bonn

Diagnosis and conservative treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als)

12998.31

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Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin

Diagnosis and conservative treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als)

11395.6210395.62

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Charite University Hospital Berlin

Diagnosis and conservative treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als)

17951.04

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation in the case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis helps to maintain joint mobility and elasticity of ligaments, maintains normal muscle tone, prevents the development of convulsions and spasms, improves the respiratory function.

The most modern rehabilitation programs are used in Germany. They are adapted individually for each patient, and are based on the stage of the disease and its complications, age, physical possibilities, and the results of treatment. Different specialists such as: therapists, neurologists, psychologists, kinesiotherapists, physiotherapists are involved in the rehabilitation process.

There are several methods of the rehabilitation, such as:

• Dosed physical activity
• Training on the simulators and in the pool
• Physiotherapy
• Thermal procedures (liquid paraffin, mud)
• Hydrotherapy (thermal waters, baths, etc.)
• Massage

Rehabilitation includes long-term medicamentous support. It is necessary to hold a consultation with the patient about the proper nutrition and the way of life which is important for him in the current situation.

Rehabilitation programs in Germany are designed for 2 weeks. If necessary, they can last much longer. In this country, the patient is provided with qualitative care, accommodation in comfortable rooms and individually selected meals. Rehabilitation programs in Germany show one of the best results in the world.

Best clinics for neurological rehabilitation in Germany:

Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic Godeshöhe Bonn

1800.00Per day

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Author:

The article was edited by medical expert, board certified Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!

Source: 

IMTJ - International Medical Travel Journal

Mayo Clinic

Healthline