Any relation between ALS and Head Trauma?
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wright
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Ptich
Originally, your statement was that head trama caused or triggered ALS . . . now you're talking about progression. Those are two completely different things.
As far as fasciculations and increasing water intake: that has scientific merit because fascics can very well be caused and exacerbated by water and electrolyte imbalance and increasing water intake can restore those imbalances and alleviate the fasics.
The increase in fat intake and the stopping of statins is thought to be linked to lipid metabolism, so those both have scientific merit . . . and as Beth stated . . . an actual peer-reviewed study was done concerning that.
Anecdotal evidence can (in some instances) help form ideas and theories but it cannot be stated as fact. It must be proven and until it is proven cannot be used to form any type of conclusion. That is absolutely the scientific method. Oh, and just so you know, I have been to many international scientific meetings where I have seen scientists almost come to blows arguing over data . . . so ranting is certainly part of science.
Connie, thanks for the kind words. I wish you and your husband solace in your difficult times. Take care.
Originally, your statement was that head trama caused or triggered ALS . . . now you're talking about progression. Those are two completely different things.
As far as fasciculations and increasing water intake: that has scientific merit because fascics can very well be caused and exacerbated by water and electrolyte imbalance and increasing water intake can restore those imbalances and alleviate the fasics.
The increase in fat intake and the stopping of statins is thought to be linked to lipid metabolism, so those both have scientific merit . . . and as Beth stated . . . an actual peer-reviewed study was done concerning that.
Anecdotal evidence can (in some instances) help form ideas and theories but it cannot be stated as fact. It must be proven and until it is proven cannot be used to form any type of conclusion. That is absolutely the scientific method. Oh, and just so you know, I have been to many international scientific meetings where I have seen scientists almost come to blows arguing over data . . . so ranting is certainly part of science.
Connie, thanks for the kind words. I wish you and your husband solace in your difficult times. Take care.
Fireman
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I just wanted to point out that there is research being done on a possible correlation between ALS and contact sports. We can not ignore certain facts. The number of Canadian Football League players diagnosed with ALS far exceeds the instances in the overall population. Studies show that 8 of 15,000 Cfl players have been diagnosed with ALS. Although that alone does not provide conclusive evidence, it does provide reason for further studies. It is not out of the question to consider head or spinal cord trauma as a possible precurser. Don't forget that prior to playing for the Yankees, Lou Gehrig himself player football at Columbia.
I am not suggesting that there is definately a correlation, just saying that research should continue on a possible link.
I am not suggesting that there is definately a correlation, just saying that research should continue on a possible link.
trfogey
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Yes, there is research being done concerning head trauma and ALS. As of November 2010, none of that research has turned up any link between ALS and head trauma. Link:
MDA/ALS Newsmagazine Commentary: Head Trauma and ALS | MDA/ALS Newsmagazine
Is there a particular reason that you resurrected this old and contentious thread from the archives?
Fireman
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I brought this up because I was doing research on the possibility of a link and it turned up this particular thread. Recently a CFL player passed away from ALS and prior to his passing he had discussed the possibility of a link, particularly due to the fact that he had suffured many concussions and neck injuries and his roommate who also had similar injuries had also died from ALS.
My interest in neuromuscular disorders comes from the fact that my Grandmother had SMA and my sister currently has a neuromuscular disorder which doctors have yet to diagnose other than it is a degenerative disease. She has been to the Mayo Clinic and they are still performing studies. Although probably not ALS it fall into the general umbrella of neuromuscular disorders. As a Firefighter I also have been very involved as a fundraiser.
I brought it up merely to say that researchers should continue to look at possible links and if one segment of society show a greater rate of acquiring the disease, it behooves science to explore the possibility. Just as if people in certain geographic regions show a higher rate, that is researched.
My interest in neuromuscular disorders comes from the fact that my Grandmother had SMA and my sister currently has a neuromuscular disorder which doctors have yet to diagnose other than it is a degenerative disease. She has been to the Mayo Clinic and they are still performing studies. Although probably not ALS it fall into the general umbrella of neuromuscular disorders. As a Firefighter I also have been very involved as a fundraiser.
I brought it up merely to say that researchers should continue to look at possible links and if one segment of society show a greater rate of acquiring the disease, it behooves science to explore the possibility. Just as if people in certain geographic regions show a higher rate, that is researched.
catcaniac
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I do know they are still looking to see if there is a link because two of the questions the doctor just asked my husband yesterday were, "Did you play varsity sports?" and "Have you had a previous head injury?" My husbands answer was yes to both questions. I think the thinking is that maybe people are already at risk for ALS due to something in their body or environmental and the head injury adds to the pie.
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Do the firefighters have a higher ratio of occurances? If so then research should be conducted as well on the effects of exposure to smoke and other toxins, which I am sure is being done. Has the IAFF been involved in any studies on firefighters and ALS?
Along with the studies on trauma injuries, there also have been studies on whether pesticides may be a factor that has contributed to the athletes susceptability.
wright
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I can assure everyone that no stone is being left unturned when it comes to researching the cause(s) of ALS. Unfortunately, no definitive evidence has been found under those stones . . . and until there is any evidence . . . we must refrain from making speculative statements in a way that makes them appear factual, because it can lead to misinformation and panic on the internet. That was part of the initial broo-haha with this thread. It doesn't appear that anyone has made any such statements when this thread was resurrected.
Researchers at BU found a link between head trauma and MND, thought they call it "chronic traumatic encephalomyelopathy" which is "ALS-like." I'm not entirely clear on what the distinction is.
"Over the past two years, BU researchers have linked head injuries in former athletes to depression and dementia, making headlines and leading to rule changes in the National Football League. Turns out that these problems may not be the only ones collision athletes like football players, boxers, and hockey players need to worry about. The researchers have now found a link between repetitive head trauma and a new form of motor neuron disease similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Their findings were published today in the September 2010 issue of the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology."
"Over the past two years, BU researchers have linked head injuries in former athletes to depression and dementia, making headlines and leading to rule changes in the National Football League. Turns out that these problems may not be the only ones collision athletes like football players, boxers, and hockey players need to worry about. The researchers have now found a link between repetitive head trauma and a new form of motor neuron disease similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Their findings were published today in the September 2010 issue of the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology."
Here's a link to the article: Head Trauma Linked to ALS-Like Disease | BU Today
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