Emergent Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Charcot's disease and Lou Gehrig's disease, is a disease of unknown cause characterized by slowly progressive degeneration of upper motor neurons (UMNs) and lower motor neurons (LMNs).^[1]

The UMN findings include hyperreflexia and spasticity. They result from degeneration of the lateral corticospinal tracts in the spinal cord. The LMN findings include weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations. They are a direct consequence of muscle denervation via destruction of the anterior horn cell. ALS is eventually fatal because of respiratory muscle weakness. Aspiration pneumonia and medical complications of immobility contribute to morbidity.^[2] Although ALS is incurable, there are treatments that can prolong meaningful quality of life; therefore, diagnosis is important to patients and families.

Also see the following:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Primary Lateral Sclerosis

Emergency physicians should be familiar with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and should consider the diagnosis in patients with only motor syndromes.

The diagnosis of ALS is primarily clinical. Electrodiagnostic testing contributes to the diagnostic accuracy.

ALS can be differentiated from stroke or trauma due to the subacute or chronic progression of symptoms. When focal limb weakness occurs, ALS is differentiated from a root or peripheral nerve lesion by the lack of pain or sensory symptoms. While ALS is a slowly progressive disease, a precipitous event may occur to bring the patient to the emergency department (ED).

Bulbar symptoms

The patient's family first notices slurring of words or choking during a meal. An aspiration event or acute respiratory symptoms of air hunger occur.

Extremity weakness

The patient notices wrist drop interfering with his or her work performance. Or, the patient may find reduced finger dexterity, cramping, stiffness, and weakness or wasting of intrinsic hand muscles. The patient may develop foot drop resulting in a fall or sprain.

Fasciculations may present early on in the disease, particularly in the tongue.

Patients initially are cared for symptomatically, and emotional support should be available to the patient and family. Discussion of a new diagnosis of ALS in the ED is inappropriate before further evaluation occurs.

If a living will or a declaration for a natural death is in place, keep patients comfortable and do not intubate.

Complications, such as infections, deep vein thrombosis, or respiratory insufficiency, should be managed appropriately.

Further information on the diagnosis of and treatment for ALS is available from the European Federation of Neurological Societies.^[3]

Refer patients to a neurologist experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases.

Refer to a pulmonologist if respiratory failure is imminent and patient wishes allow.

Physical and occupational therapy and speech pathology consultations assist the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in maintaining strength, daily living activities, and communication skills (as demonstrated in the image below).

When forced vital capacity (FVC) reaches about 50% of predicted levels, supplemental respiratory support may be needed. (The first symptom may be disturbed sleep.) Use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation improves quality of life; further respiratory deterioration may necessitate tracheostomy and ventilator support.

Patients with progressive weight loss, symptomatic dysphagia, or aspiration should be considered for percutaneous gastrostomy placement. Risk of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement increases with declining respiratory function. PEG is best placed before FVC falls to less than 50% of predicted levels.

Advance directives may be addressed by the patient's neurologist and be discussed at regular intervals. Hospice referral may be appropriate to aid in care during the terminal phase of the disease.