General

General terms are available that encompass commonly used terms for patients newly diagnosed. ulnar nerve

General Terms

Frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a clinical syndrome caused by degeneration of the frontal lobe of the brain and may extend back to the temporal lobe. It's one of three syndromes caused by frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and the second most common early-onset dementia after Alzheimer's disease. ALS and FTD:

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by chronic widespread pain, and a heightened sense of pain from pressure (such as touch). Other of Fibromyalgia symptoms include exhaustive fatigue, sleep disorder, joint stiffness and some report difficulty swallowing. Individuals with Fibromyalgia may also suffer from bladder and bowel abnormalities, numbness and tingling, and cognitive disorder.

ALS Signs and Symptoms

ALS manifests itself in a variety of forms, which, depending on the muscles affected can result in differing symptoms. Symptoms can include tripping or falling, loss of balance, loss of motor control in hands or arms or both, trouble with speech, trouble swallowing or breathing, constant fatigue, twitching, cramping, of which the symptoms can be moderate or severe.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Intravenous immunoglobulin is a treatment used for patients diagnosed with MMN (Multifocal Motor Neuropathy). Patients with mild symptoms of MMN often require no treatment. Patients with more severe symptoms often receive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide.

Multifocal Motor Neuropathy

Multifocal motor neuropathy is a progressive muscle disorder that displays itself withy muscle weakness in the hands (and usually the hands only), showing differences from one side of the body to the other and only includes specific muscles. MMN affects men more than women. Symptoms of MMN include muscle cramping, muscle wasting, and involuntary contractions or twitching of the leg muscles.

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy is a series of intravenous infusions containing a sythetic amino acid (EDTA) and various other substances. It is approved and effective for hypercalcemia and poisoning by heavy metals such as lead. However, advocates falsely claim it is effective against ALS progression and a variety of other diseases and terminal illnesses.

amitriptylene

Amitriptylene is a medication that some ALS patients use to control a variety of symptoms. Amitriptylene is a variety of anti-depressant. Some patients take amitriptylene to control laughing or crying fits; others take it to control saliva secretions.

benign ALS

This term, coined by the late Forbes Norris, an American neurologist. The term refers to an ALS patients period of symptom stabilization (last approximately 9 months), or a very slow progression of ALS symptoms. ALS is normally rapidly progressing, if the symptoms stabilize, or progress slowly, the patient may be considered to have benign ALS. (Benign ALS is not a medically accepted term)

polyunsaturated fats

An essential element in our diet and includes a special family of essential fatty acids (which the human body cannot manufacture for itself) called omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Like all fats, polyunsaturated fat is high in calories. Recent studies (2006) have shown diets high in calories and high in PUFAS may reduce the risk of developing motor neuron disease. Related Articles:

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