Most ALS cases are sporadic.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for those who develop this disease.
The signs of disease differ depending on how long a person has had it.
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ALS is progressive, meaning it worsens over time.
Genetics
There are severalgenesassociated with the onset of sporadic ALS.
In 7% to 10% of cases, the C9orf72 gene is behind the disease.
The C9orf72 gene goes through amutationknown as ahexanucleotiderepeat expansion.
That change is what drives the onset of the disease.
RNA-binding proteins are heavily involved in the onset of ALS.
The genetic involvement in sporadic ALS is not inherited (passed down through families).
How Many Genes Are Associated With ALS?
Over 20 genes are related to the development of ALS.
Researchers believe that as they continue to search for a cause, more will be uncovered.
A complete medical history is also needed.
Symptom history and observation are the primary tools used to diagnose the disease.
Typically, people who develop sporadic ALS will have to undergo a thorough diagnostic process.
Because of that, it can take anywhere from nine to 12 months to be diagnosed with the disease.
People with sporadic ALS will have to treat the disease for the rest of their lives.
Prognosis
Sporadic ALS is fatal.
After a person develops sporadic ALS, they will most likely die within 30 months.
Only 20% of people with the disease will live five to 10 years after their symptoms begin.
One coping mechanism involves putting palliative care measures in place.
Palliative care revolves around the same treatment options mentioned above.
The ALS Association offerssupport groupsfor people with the disease.
Coping With Sporadic ALS
Hearing that you have a fatal disease is devastating.
Most cases are considered sporadic.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, may play a role in sporadic ALS.
Sporadic ALS is a fatal disease.
It can be debilitating mentally and physically.
However, sporadic ALS differs from ALS in that it is not an inherited disease.
It appears to develop at random.
All ALS is fatal.
However, the length of time people live after the diagnosis depends.
Some people can live as long as five to 10 years.
However, the average is 2.5 years.
Because of that, they will eventually need constant care.
It’s important for people with ALS to have a strong support system and a caregiver.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
