What is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As motor neurons degenerate and die, they stop sending signals to muscles, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis.
While there is currently no cure for ALS, comprehensive care at Eber Medical Group focuses on slowing disease progression, preserving independence, managing symptoms, and maintaining the highest possible quality of life through our integrated Western medicine + Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach.
Symptoms of ALS
ALS symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time. Early signs vary depending on which motor neurons are affected first:
- Limb onset (most common): Progressive weakness in arms or legs, difficulty walking, tripping, dropping objects, muscle twitching (fasciculations)
- Bulbar onset: Difficulty speaking (dysarthria), swallowing (dysphagia), chewing; slurred or nasal speech
- Respiratory onset: Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying flat
- General symptoms: Muscle cramps, spasticity, emotional lability (pseudobulbar affect), cognitive changes (in ~50% of patients; 10–15% develop frontotemporal dementia)
- Preserved functions: Sensation, eye movements, and bladder/bowel control typically remain intact until late stages
Diagnosis at Eber Medical Group
| Diagnostic Method | Purpose | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| EMG (Electromyography) | Detect motor neuron degeneration, confirm ALS diagnosis | Western Medicine |
| Nerve Conduction Studies | Rule out peripheral neuropathies | Western Medicine |
| MRI (Brain + Cervical Spine) | Exclude structural lesions, tumors, cervical myelopathy | Western Medicine |
| Pulmonary Function Tests (FVC, SNIP) | Assess respiratory muscle strength | Western Medicine |
| Blood Tests | Rule out mimicking conditions (thyroid, B12, Lyme) | Western Medicine |
| Neuropsychological Testing | Assess cognitive function, screen for FTD | Western Medicine |
| TCM Constitution Assessment | Identify underlying pattern (Kidney deficiency, Spleen Qi) | TCM |
| Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis | Guide acupuncture and herbal treatment | TCM |
Expected Effects of Treatment at Eber Medical Group
1. Individualized Rehabilitation Programs
Tailored to disease stage to maximally preserve mobility and muscle strength, prevent contractures, and maintain independence in daily activities for as long as possible.
2. Innovative Physiotherapy
- Electrical stimulation (TENS/NMES): Maintains muscle tone, reduces cramping
- Robotic mechanotherapy: Assisted movement to preserve joint mobility
- Passive and active-assisted exercises: Prevent stiffness and contractures
3. Respiratory Muscle Management
Prevention of complications through breathing exercises, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), cough assist devices, and secretion management to improve breathing and swallowing function.
4. Multidisciplinary Team
Neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists working together to comprehensively manage all aspects of ALS.
5. Neuroprotective Therapy Courses
Pharmacological treatment to slow disease progression, including Riluzole and Edaravone, combined with nutritional support and antioxidant therapy.
Treatment Methods: Western Medicine + TCM
| Method | Effect | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Riluzole / Edaravone | Neuroprotection, slowing disease progression | Western Medicine |
| Robotic Rehabilitation | Preserves motor function, prevents atrophy | Western Medicine |
| Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV) | Supports breathing, extends survival | Western Medicine |
| Speech Therapy | Maintains communication, manages dysphagia | Western Medicine |
| TMS (rTMS) | May slow cortical degeneration, experimental | Western Medicine |
| Acupuncture (TCM) | Improves Qi flow, reduces spasticity, symptom relief | TCM |
| Nutritional Support + TCM Diet | Prevents malnutrition, supports digestion | TCM + Western |
| Tuina Massage | Improves circulation, reduces muscle stiffness | TCM |
Expected Outcomes
| Goal | Expected Result |
|---|---|
| Muscle atrophy rate | Reduced — maintaining independence longer |
| Mobility and coordination | Improved — greater daily independence |
| Contractures and pressure sores | Prevented — minimized complications |
| Respiratory function | Supported — delayed ventilation dependence |
| Psychological wellbeing | Supported — adaptation and motivation preserved |
| Quality of life | Enhanced through comprehensive symptom management |
ALS Care at Eber: What Makes Us Different
Although ALS (MND) is a serious, progressive disease with no current cure, professional neurorehabilitation at Eber Brain Hospital uses the most advanced technologies and integrated approaches to give patients maximum possibilities in managing their condition.
Our integrated Western medicine + Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach addresses both the physical symptoms and the underlying constitutional patterns identified through TCM diagnosis. This holistic model has shown benefits in symptom management, quality of life, and potentially slowing functional decline.
Contact us with your neurologist's report and EMG results for a personalized rehabilitation assessment. We provide a free second opinion within 48 hours.