The central nervous system (CNS) is probably one of the most if not the top sensitive parts of our body. Our mind and body functions simultaneously, thanks to our brain and nerves. However, any disruption, blockage, or destruction in these nerves may lead to problems that affect the whole movement of legs, arms, and voluntary muscles that a person have. ALS or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is similar to progressive primary lateral sclerosis as both can hinder neurons for motor movement.
What Is Primary Lateral Sclerosis?
Primary Lateral Sclerosis is a rare health condition that is usually a neuromuscular disorder. Nerves begin to slowly break down due to the rare genetic mutations in the central nervous system similar to the gene ALS2. Until now, many medical experts and researchers are not aware of what causes primary lateral sclerosis or pls. However, motor neuron diseases disrupt brain signals and instructions from the nerves to the brain. Unlike ALS or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Primary Lateral Sclerosis or PLS is a progressive or gradual rare disease, and most cases don’t have fatal consequences.
Symptoms Of Primary Lateral Sclerosis
Sclerosis is a vast rare disease that may involve not just one but more symptoms that affects a person’s daily life. The upper and lower motor 
parts of our body include our arms and legs. Hence primary lateral sclerosis shows its attacks by disabling the motor movement of those experiencing this rare disease. People may look for health care assistance under hospice or palliative care treatments. If you have a family member that needs this type of care system, please don’t hesitate to ask your local government about available methods.
Involuntary Spasms (Spasticity)
Muscles that involuntarily and continuously contract happens when patients have damage on the portion of their brain or spinal cord. More medically termed as spasticity, this condition can make a person’s muscle stiff or tight. It affects a person’s movement, speech, and gait actions. It negatively affects growing children and may cause further problems for older adults. Spasticity is not limited to primary lateral sclerosis but also involves other rare diseases such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and even traumatic brain injury.
Cramping of Legs, Arms, And Muscles
One of the initial symptoms for this degenerative neuromuscular disease exhibits stiffness in the body. As cells receive less information and signals from the neurons and brain, cramping is a progressive part of the symptom for PLS. A person who isn’t aware of having a rare disease may find a lack of control in movement and mobility. Take note; this symptom is not just visible for older adults. Children, teenagers, and even young adults may see limitations for walking, talking, and moving their arms.
Limited Mouth Movement
Muscular weakness doesn’t just involve stiffness in the upper and lower motor movement. People may experience slurred speech, jaw clenching, difficulty in eating.
Progressive Symptoms:
In worst case situations, PLS, ALS, or other rare diseases can become chronic. Besides the fatal consequence, it may become continuous. This means that loss of normal movement can slowly become a permanent symptom. A patient may have to depend on walking canes, wheelchairs, or medical assistance from professionals to do their daily tasks.
- Dysarthria (difficulty forming words)
- Dysphagia (difficulty in eating)
- Loss of bladder control
- Painful movements while doing daily activities
Which People Are Susceptible To Problems In The Spinal Cord?
Since pls is a rare disease, everyone can be susceptible to this spinal cord and neurological disorder. Genetic and rare diseases, according to 
medical experts, say that there are at least 1 in 1,500 people who are born with these diseases. However, it may take up at least five years or more to accurately detect new diseases and update databases. A diagnosis for rare disease is mostly made at a hospital and doctors should report the information to a local health department as soon as possible. Of course, data privacy of the patient is still essential. Nevertheless, the battle to find the cure and treatment for this motor movement that involves both upper and lower muscles are developing.
What Are Some Options To Maintain Health Care For PLS?
Having physical therapy for pls is a possibility. However, families should be careful to know if their family member can get this treatment. Other options may involve dental procedures such as mouthguards or braces. Speech therapy is also another useful tip for regaining slurred speech back to normal. Many organizations and support groups can assist families for health care provision.
