Warning Signs Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Issues Breathing

When an individual has issues breathing, it may indicate they are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The muscles in the chest contract and relax to produce the actions of breathing in and out. The large dome-shaped muscle underneath the lungs or the diaphragm is responsible for performing most of the work involved with moving air in and out of the lungs. The muscles located in between an individual's ribs or the intercostal muscles also play a significant role in the breathing process. The intercostal muscles contract while the diaphragm moves downward in order to produce the action of inhaling air. When amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes damage to the nerves that supply these muscles, the affected individual will present with breathing difficulties. These symptoms may include labored breathing or gasping with or without activity and is often referred to as air hunger. Problems with breathing during sleep cause the patient to wake up frequently during the night and experience general fatigue. Feeling short of breath is also a common occurrence when amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has damaged the nerves responsible for the movement of air through the lungs.

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Exaggerated Reflexes

Exaggerated reflexes can be a symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This disease damages the upper motor neurons in the patient's body. The upper motor neurons are responsible for carrying nerve impulses from the individual's brain to their spinal cord. Lower motor neurons are responsible for carrying nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the muscles all around the body. Due to the fact these types of nerves have different functions, the body will be affected in different ways when they become damaged. When the upper motor neurons become damaged, the muscles become stiff and tight or experience spasticity. These muscles may also experience hyperreflexia or exaggerated reflexes to stimuli. The gag reflex often becomes exaggerated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient. Another reflex commonly observed in patients with this disease is called Babinski's sig, which is the upward extension of the large toe when the sole of a foot is stimulated.

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