Diagnosis of Patient Six By: Maddi Roberts, Emma Winstead, & Grace Broughton

Subjective Symptoms Carl, a 45 year old, single father of two came complaining of symptoms such as: Muscles in his hands and feet are weak Trouble lifting weighted objects Tripping and stumbling often Cannot get a key in the doorknob Cannot project his voice Slurred speech

Regions of the Brain affected After evaluating Carl’s symptoms, possible regions of the brain affected are the frontal lobe (Broca Area) and the Cerebellum. The frontal lobe deals with speech production, language and understanding. The Cerebellum involves our muscle coordination, movement, and balance; which Carl is having complications with.

Possible Disorders Ataxia Disorder - Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. All are related to degeneration of the part of the brain, called the cerebellum, that is responsible for coordinating movement. Ataxia is a disease that affects people of all ages. Ataxia relates to slurred speech, trouble swallowing, and poor balance. Dysarthria - A condition in which the muscles you use for speech are weak or you have difficulty controlling them. Dysarthria is often characterized by slurred speech or speech that is difficult to understand. Lou Gehrig's Disease(ALS) - A nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts one's physical functions. Movement can become limited, energy loss, trouble swallowing, and fatigue.

Diagnosis After multiple examinations we have diagnosed Carl with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). All of his complaints and observed symptoms match up with symptoms of ALS. He will need to follow up to determine the extremity of his particular case.

Speech Pathologist A speech pathologist is a biomedical professional that evaluates and treats patients who have difficulty with speech or language. This professional helps to improve the quality of life for our patient by teaching the patients and their families the most effective and most comfortable ways to communicate with each other.

Physical and Occupational Therapists A physical therapist uses his/her training to evaluate and treat problems relating to movement and function. When dealing with ALS, physical therapists are familiar with the physical limitations ALS brings and works to improve upon them through exercise and strength building. A occupational therapist specializes in working to help those with disabilities and injuries complete daily activities. This is especially important to patients with ALS to ensure they can live their daily lives as their disabilities continue to hinder them.

Treatment Options/Medications: Medical Procedures: Different treatments can help but as of right now there is no cure. Physical therapy, speech therapist, and meeting with a dietitian are options. Glutamate blocker(inhibits the action of neurotransmitter glutamate): Riluzole Muscle relaxant (reduces muscle tension and help to relieve pain and discomfort): Baclofen or Tizanidine are medications that are encouraged for a patient to take daily. Gastrostomy - Surgical insertion of a tube through the abdomen and into the stomach. Used for feeding or drainage. Tracheotomy - Surgically creating a hole in the neck that leads into the windpipe(trachea). Often used to insert a breathing tube.

Visual Facts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOnk9Hh20 eg Over 20,000 patients are diagnosed in the US every year with ALS. No cure. 50% Of patients pass under a year of being diagnosed. 35% Of patients live over a year 10% Of patients live 2-5 years. 5% Of patients live with ALS over 7 years/ for life.

Living with ALS Since Carl will be living with ALS for the rest of his life, he will encounter some difficulties. Some of these obstacles include, trouble walking from place to place, difficulties breathing, problems with swallowing, slurred speech, and muscle weakness. Carl will not be able to do some of the hobbies he loved now that he is dealing with ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS is a terminal illness but hopefully as technology develops and new research is discovered there will one day be a cure.