The Texas Neurology ALS Center is part of the
Northeast Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Consortium and is sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Motor Neuron Disease.
Director
Daragh Heitzman, M.D., FAAN
Dr. Heitzman completed his medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and obtained his neurology training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas from 1990-1993. He served as Chief Resident from 1992-1993. He completed a fellowship in EMG, neuromuscular disease and neurophysiology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio from 1993-1994.
He is board certified in neurology, neuromuscular medicine and electrodiagnostic medicine. He currently holds positions at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He serves on the Muscular Dystrophy Association(MDA) Clinic Advisory Committee.
Dr. Heitzman practices general neurology, but has particular interests in ALS, peripheral nerve problems, EMG, dystonia and the use of botulinum toxin(s). He is director of the ALS/Motor Neuron Disorder Clinic at Texas Neurology, P.A., sponsored thy Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). He is currently participating in multiple clinical drug trials for neurologic diseases.
Alan W. Martin, M.D.
Dr. Martin is a graduate of Texas A & M University and received his medical degree from Texas A & M College of Medicine. He completed his neurological training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and at Parkland Hospital where he served as Chief Resident in Neurology from 1987 to 1988.
Dr. Martin completed his neuro-muscular fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. In 1989, he began private practice at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Martin is board certified in neurology, neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine, and neurophysiology.
Sheilah Harned, LCSW
Sheilah Harned, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters degree in Social Work. She received a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Rhetoric and Communication Studies at the University of Virginia. She received her Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Sheilah has had over 20 years of experience in medical social work coordinating care for patients at Baylor University Medical Center and Texas Neurology, P.A.
Overview: ALS or Lou Gehring's Disease
In general, ALS is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease producing weakness of the muscles. Almost any part of the body can be affected, including the muscles of the arms and legs, as well as those that control either speech, swallowing, or breathing. Some patients may also have minor either emotional, behavioral, or thinking problems. Most patients with ALS have fasciculations, which are involuntary painless muscle twitches. ALS patients have changes in their skin, making them resistant to getting bed sores. Eye movements and sensation are typically preserved. Pain is usually either nonexistent or minimal.
Persons with ALS are typically in their 5th or 6th decade of life. Both men and women are affected. Most often this disease occurs for unknown reasons (sporadic ALS), while about 5-10% of the time, the disease is inherited (familial ALS).
Everyone knows that Lou, the great "Iron Horse" of baseball, had ALS. But why was his wife's name placed in honor above his? The answer is part of MDA history.
After Gehrig learned he had ALS and retired from the New York Yankees 1939, ending his record streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, Eleanor was his chauffeur, nurse, nutritionist and constant companion. She exercised with him, steadied his fingers when he signed his name, and helped him take his daily injections of vitamin E. So high was the Gehrigs' faith in vitamin E that Eleanor used to prepare a special salad for Lou made with common garden grass that she cut from the park because she was told it was rich with the vitamin. Even with salad dressing, the concoction made Gehrig gag. It didn't stop the progression, and in 1941, Lou Gehrig lost his life to ALS.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ALS is difficult. Extensive testing is required, most often in attempts to prove that a person does not have ALS.
Besides the doctor performing both an interview and examination of the person with suspected ALS, patients must undergo:
• an electromyogram (EMG)
• laboratory (blood) testing
• either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans
• possible lumbar puncture
• possible muscle/nerve biopsy
Treatments
• Rilutek (riluzole) is the only proven medication to slow down the progression of ALS.
• Many medications are utilized to treat the myriad of symptoms that can develop during the course of the disease. Many of these medications are used on an “off-label” basis. These medications could include treatment for cramps, depression, drooling, sleep, etc.
Donating
• Neurologix Foundation
The Neurologix Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education for neurologic diseases, including ALS. Money donated to the Neurologix Foundation for ALS will go directly to experimental drug trials, clinical support and education for ALS patients at Texas Neurology, P.A. Please contact the Neurologix Foundation liaison at (214) 827-3610 ext. 224 to donate for this and other neurological causes.
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MDA Publications Department
© 2005, Muscular Dystrophy Association
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