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Suggest Treatment For Anterior Horn Cell Disease
My father is diagnosed with anterior horn cell disease. He is 73 and was fit until past 2 months when he started experiencing dropped head and weakness in left foot and hand. His condition is deteriorating fast and now he is bed ridden - cannot get up, stand or walk on his own. Is there any treatment available which will cure or slow down the progression of the disease? He is already taking rinuzole as prescribed by doctor.
Mon, 1 May 2023
Hello,
Anterior horn cell disease is a group of disorders that affect the nerve cells in the spinal cord that control muscle movement. There are different types of anterior horn cell diseases, each with different causes and progression patterns. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for these diseases at this time, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease.
Riluzole is a medication that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of anterior horn cell disease. It is thought to work by reducing the release of glutamate, a chemical messenger that can damage nerve cells. While Riluzole is not a cure, it has been shown to slow down the progression of the disease and improve survival in some patients.
Anterior horn cell disease can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right care and support, it's possible to improve quality of life and maintain function for as long as possible. In addition to medication, there are other treatments that can be helpful in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with anterior horn cell disease.
These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and assistive devices such as braces or wheelchairs depending on his specific needs. So the most important thing is to keep always in touch with his caring doctor.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician
Anterior horn cell disease is a group of disorders that affect the nerve cells in the spinal cord that control muscle movement. There are different types of anterior horn cell diseases, each with different causes and progression patterns. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for these diseases at this time, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease.
Riluzole is a medication that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of anterior horn cell disease. It is thought to work by reducing the release of glutamate, a chemical messenger that can damage nerve cells. While Riluzole is not a cure, it has been shown to slow down the progression of the disease and improve survival in some patients.
Anterior horn cell disease can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right care and support, it's possible to improve quality of life and maintain function for as long as possible. In addition to medication, there are other treatments that can be helpful in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with anterior horn cell disease.
These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and assistive devices such as braces or wheelchairs depending on his specific needs. So the most important thing is to keep always in touch with his caring doctor.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician
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