The influence of stress reaction on initial symptomatic of Amyotrophy Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The influence of stress reaction on initial symptomatic of Amyotrophy Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Kountouris D.(1) (1) Center for Neurological Diagnosis, Athens, Greece

Background: Many neurogenic disorders are manifested after an intense stress. Here is presented a case of an absolutely healthy woman 56 years-old, who after a stress and reactive depression she presented acute ALS symptoms.

Case report: A 56years old dish washer, who was in physical and psychological condition and without having any medical problem, 3 months ago arrived at her work where she was informed that her boss had been injured in a car accident. At that moment she felt an intense general weakness total instability and problem in swallowing. Two days later the symptomatology was increased gradually in a progressive form and after having the patient do a thorough examinations the appearance of ALS was corroborated. The diseases was developing rapidly.

Conclusion: Similar observations, which have been done in patients after a major hurt operation corroborate the hypothesis that the appearance of at least one type of ALS, is due to acute stress.

Abstract published in Abstract Book of the 10th International Symposium on ALS/MND Paper presented at the 10th International Symposium on ALS/MND, Vancouver, Canada, November 15-17, 1999