Description

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In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers explores Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Although ALS has a relatively low prevalence and incidence, the progressive loss of motor neurons has a devastating effect on function, quality of life, psychosocial wellness, and lifespan. Dr. Powers discusses the important role that physical therapists play in ALS management, including the framework for rehabilitation, exercise prescription, and psychosocial considerations.

Key Takeaways

• ALS as motor neuron disease
• Pathophysiology of motor unit loss
• Known risk factors for ALS
• Limb-onset vs bulbar-onset ALS
• Importance of diffuse upper and lower motor neuron findings in ALS diagnosis
• "Fasciculations are known by the company they keep"
• Pseudobulbar affect and psychosocial considerations
• ALS progression and mortality
• Framework of restoration, compensation, and prevention 
• Evidence-informed exercise prescription

References

• O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical Rehabilitation
• ALS Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
• Meta-analysis of Military Service and ALS Risk
• Systematic Review Military Service and Related Risk Factors for ALS
• Pseudobulbar Affect
• El Escorial Criteria for ALS
• Physical Exercise in ALS

All music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license.

• Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBM
• Transitional: Our Reality by Ketsa

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