Primary Lateral Sclerosis - Medtick

Primary Lateral Sclerosis

What is it?

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare disorder affecting the upper motor neurone and is often referred to as a milder case of Lou-Gehrig’s disease.
  • It is also a degenerative neurological disorder but unlike Lou-Gehrig’s, the lower motor neurons are unaffected.
  • The body parts that are initially affected are the leg muscles but it can also start in the bulbar muscles which control speech and swallowing.
  • The degenerative process is confined to the length of the spinal column, affecting the legs, arms, and the speech and swallowing muscles.
  • Middle aged people are susceptible to this disease, with a few rare cases of affected children.
  • Although there is no known cure for the disease, people with PLS can live for many years with the assistance of wheelchairs and canes.

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Cause

  • Unknown
  • Family History

Symptoms

  • Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue?
  • Muscle cramps?
  • Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)?
  • Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg and neck?
  • Slurred and nasal speech?
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing?
  • problems with moving?
  • Problems with swallowing (dysphagia)?
  • Problems with speaking or forming words (dysarthria)?
  • Lose weight rapidly?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Primary Lateral Sclerosis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).