Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a rapidly progressive, fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.

Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons in the brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from them to particular muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, waste away (atrophy), and twitch (fasciculations). Eventually, the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost. ALS causes weakness with a wide range of disabilities. ALS patients may have alterations in cognitive functions such as depression and problems with decision-making and memory.

ALS does not affect a person’s ability to see, smell, and taste, hear, or recognize touch. Regardless of the part of the body first affected by the disease, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of the body as the disease progresses. Patients have increasing problems with moving, swallowing (dysphagia), and speaking or forming words (dysarthria). Symptoms of upper motor neuron involvement include tight and stiff muscles (spasticity) and exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia) including an overactive gag reflex. An abnormal reflex commonly called Babinski’s sign (the large toe extends upward as the sole of the foot is stimulated in a certain way) also indicates upper motor neuron damage. Symptoms of lower motor neuron degeneration include muscle weakness and atrophy, muscle cramps, and fleeting twitches of muscles that can be seen under the skin (fasciculations).

The diagnosis of ALS is based on presence of muscle weakness, atrophy of muscles, hyperreflexia, and spasticity are getting progressively worse. Electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) help in the diagnosis.

No cure has yet been found for ALS. However, Mamsagni Rasayana, Saha Bala along with Omni Power is effective and safe ayurvedic supplement for treatment of ALS. Ayurvedic supplements along with TMP therapy, physiotherapy and Yogic breathing are designed to relieve symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life.