Als?

[short1978]

ALS as far as NCLEX goes...are we referring to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

I had several ALS questions and had no clue what they were talking about....doing research now and want to make sure I am reviewing the correct material.

Thx

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

That's the most widely accepted meaning of the abbreviation. ALS can also stand for advanced life support, but it doesn't seem to fit in the context of your concerns.

[short1978]

thx Eric. I just remember getting like 6 questions on it before and not having a clue. i dont remember talking about it at all in school. i am retesting this wk and wanting to make sure i review it.

thx

[short1978]

So this is what I have found online....any other info I should add to my notes????

aka Lou Gehring's Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative disease which effects nerve cells in brain and spinal cord.

Leads to loss of muscle movement, can become paralyzed.

No cure to date.

One FDA approved med, Riluzole which modestly slows progression.

s/s: muscle weakness of hands, arms, legs, muscles of speech/swallowing and breathing. Twitching and cramping of muscles. Thick speech with difficulty projecting voice. Shortness of breath and diff swallowing.

As progresses, need for ventilator.

Age of onset 45-70 with average of 55 yrs old. More common in men than women, about 20% more.

No specific diagnostic test. Run lots of other tests to rule out other disorders.

anything else i should know about this??? i pulled the above info from the als main pg....everything is a summation, not direct