Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig Disease (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Overview
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Causes
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Outlook
Right now, no cure is available for ALS. It results in the death of affected patients. Most people with ALS die within five years of the first symptoms, although a few people have lived as long as 10 years. Most people with ALS die of respiratory failure or infections related to respiratory disability.
If you have ALS, you should take the opportunity to express your wishes about medical care, estate planning, and personal issues while you are still able.
- Preferences concerning medical care at the end of life should be clarified early and documented in your medical chart. Your spouse and other close family members should understand your wishes.
Early clarification of these wishes prevents conflicts later when you are not able to speak for yourself.
- You should consult a lawyer as early as possible. Personal affairs should be settled. Later in the disease, you may not be able to sign papers or even communicate your wishes.
Next: Support Groups and Counseling »
Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis »
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of unknown cause characterized by slowly progressive degeneration of upper motor neurons (UMNs) and lower motor neurons (LMNs).
