Connection between ALS and Nervous System Injuries
In a groundbreaking development, research is shedding light on the potential link between nerve injuries and the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rare and debilitating neurodegenerative disease.
ALS primarily affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to their death and causing the brain to lose its ability to send instructions to muscles. This results in muscle weakening and wastage, symptoms that can feel similar to nerve injuries.
The majority of ALS cases (around 90%) do not have a genetic link, while 5-10% occur with a known family history (familial ALS). In the early stages of ALS, people may experience muscle cramps, muscle twitching, difficulties swallowing and chewing, nasal and slurred speech, and muscle weakness, particularly in the neck, diaphragm, arms, or legs.
Recent studies, such as one from 2019, have found a connection between nerve injuries and the onset of ALS. One study revisiting 2016 research suggests that injuries may act as a trigger for ALS onset at the injured location, with the disease spreading from there. This could explain why many ALS cases are not directly caused by known genetic mutations but possibly related to peripheral nerve damage.
Key evidence includes the localization of disease onset at the site of injury, animal model studies showing impaired healing and ALS-like symptoms in genetically susceptible individuals, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms that contribute to synapse elimination and subsequent motor neuron death.
While the pathogenesis of ALS also involves complex molecular pathways and specific genetic factors, the link between nerve injuries and ALS onset is gaining traction. This association is supported by both epidemiological evidence in humans and mechanistic insights from animal models and molecular studies.
However, it's important to note that more research is needed to determine the exact link between nerve injuries and the onset of ALS, as well as the process that may lead to the onset of ALS in humans. If a person experiences any symptoms of ALS, they should contact a doctor for testing and diagnosis.
References: - Injury-triggered ALS onset and progression with microglial involvement and impaired healing in animal models[2]. - ALS pathogenesis includes ISR pathway and SOD1-based genetic factors, mainly in hereditary ALS[1][4]. - The progress of ALS varies for each person, with some experiencing rapid disease progression while others survive for many years. - The 5-year survival rate of people with ALS is approximately 20%. - Researchers have found a possible link between nerve injuries and the onset of ALS[5]. - ALS is a progressive condition with no known cure to revert the neurological damage it causes[3]. - More research is needed to determine the link between nerve injury and the onset of ALS, as well as the process that may lead to the onset of ALS in humans[5]. - Nerve injuries may trigger ALS by causing a systemic inflammation that may spread to motor neurons and trigger the neurodegenerative condition[5].
[1] ALS pathogenesis includes ISR pathway and SOD1-based genetic factors, mainly in hereditary ALS. (Source: PubMed Central) [2] Injury-triggered ALS onset and progression with microglial involvement and impaired healing in animal models. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation) [3] ALS is a progressive condition with no known cure to revert the neurological damage it causes. (Source: Mayo Clinic) [4] The progress of ALS varies for each person, with some experiencing rapid disease progression while others survive for many years. (Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) [5] Researchers have found a possible link between nerve injuries and the onset of ALS. (Source: Science Daily)
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