Medications Used in the Treatment of ALS
Physicians can prescribe medications for the treatment of ALS symptoms. These medications help to:
- Reduce fatigue
- Ease muscle cramps
- Control spasticity
- Reduce excess saliva and phlegm.
Medications are also available to help patients with pain,
depression, sleep disturbances, and
constipation. Pharmacists can give advice on the proper use of medications and monitor a patient's prescriptions to avoid risks of drug interactions.
Physical Therapy as a Treatment of ALS
Treatment of ALS will often involve physical therapy. Physical therapy and special equipment can enhance a patient's independence and safety throughout the course of ALS. Gentle, low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, and stationary bicycling, can help patients:
Range-of-motion and stretching exercises can help prevent painful spasticity and shortening (contracture) of muscles. Physical therapists can recommend exercises that provide these benefits without overworking muscles.
Occupational therapists can suggest devices such as ramps, braces, walkers, and wheelchairs that help patients conserve energy and remain mobile.
Speech Therapy as a Treatment of ALS
ALS patients who have difficulty speaking may benefit from working with a speech therapist. A speech therapist can teach patients adaptive strategies to help them speak louder and more clearly.
As ALS progresses, speech therapists can help patients develop ways for responding to yes-or-no questions with their eyes or by other nonverbal means. Speech therapists can also recommend aids such as speech synthesizers and computer-based communication systems. These methods and devices help patients communicate when they can no longer speak or produce vocal sounds.
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