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What Is Myasthenia Gravis?

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. This autoimmune disorder is one of many that you might be unfamiliar with, unless you or someone you care about is living with it. Myasthenia gravis, or MG, comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning “grave muscular weakness” because it causes the voluntary muscles to become weak and tired. It is a rare neuromuscular disorder that affects 14-20 out of every 100,000 people, but, according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, MG is the most common primary disorder of neuromuscular transmission. This month, we want to shine a light on this rare condition, its symptoms, and the treatments available.

What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?

woman with a lab coat on looking into a microscope — *Currently there is no known cause for MG, but research is continuously being done to understand it.*

Myasthenia gravis is not inherited and is not contagious, although it is important to note that a baby whose mother has the condition can develop a temporary form of MG that usually resolves itself within 2-3 months. MG is an autoimmune disorder, which is a condition that occurs when your immune system mistakes your healthy tissues and cells for a virus and attacks them. The exact cause of MG is unclear to scientists and doctors, but there is a theory that some kinds of viral or bacterial proteins could cause the body to attack the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for the communication between nerve cells and muscles. When this happens, antibodies destroy muscle receptor cells, which means fewer available muscle fibers, which is why muscles become weak and tire easily.

Experts also believe that there is a possible connection between MG and the thymus gland. The thymus gland starts out large in childhood and grows until puberty. After it is done growing around the time of puberty, it gets smaller and is eventually replaced with fat. A large number of adult patients with MG have an abnormally large thymus gland, and about 1 in 10 patients with MG have a benign tumor in their thymus gland.

Who Does It Affect?

MG can strike anyone at any age, but is more frequently seen in young women between the ages of 20 and 30, and men aged 50 and older.

MG Symptoms

The main symptom of MG is weakness of the voluntary skeletal muscles. The muscle weakness usually gets worse with more activity and improves with rest and a good night’s sleep. Generally, the muscles around the eyes will be affected first, which will cause the eyelids to droop. There are other symptoms that can also occur in differing degrees, which include:

Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Drooping eyelids
Double vision
Muscle weakness and fatigue
Facial paralysis
Hoarse voice
Trouble pronouncing words
Weakness of the neck or limbs

If someone with MG suffers what is known as a myasthenic crisis, they could become paralyzed. This type of crisis can be triggered in those with weakened respiratory muscles by an infection, fever, or a reaction to a medication. Myasthenic crises are life threatening and require emergency treatment with mechanical breathing assistance such as a ventilator. Plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin therapies can help, which we will explain in more detail later.

How Is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, bring them up with your doctor; your doctor will then perform a physical exam, as well as a neurological exam in order to check your reflexes and motion functions, look for muscle weakness, and make sure that your eyes are moving properly. Other tests that your doctor might perform to diagnose the condition include:

Blood tests to look for antibodies
Genetic tests to check if the condition runs in your family
Repetitive nerve stimulation test
Electromyogram (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of a muscle
CT scans or MRI to rule out a tumor in the thymus gland

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, there is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Early detection is the best way to manage the condition. Medications including Cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants can improve communication between nerves and muscles, and reduce the production of the antibodies that cause MG. Other treatment options include:

red blood cells floating — *Glycoprotein molecules from white blood cells can help decrease attacks on the immune system.*

Thymectomy– surgery to remove the thymus gland, which can help improve symptoms. This surgery has been shown to reduce symptoms in more than 70% of people who don’t have cancer of the thymus.
Plasmapheresis– a procedure that removes abnormal antibodies from the blood and replaces them with normal antibodies from donated blood.
Immunoglobulin– antibodies, or glycoprotein molecules from white blood cells are infused through an IV to decrease the immune system’s attack on the nervous system.

Changing your lifestyle can also help alleviate symptoms of MG. If you are diagnosed with the condition, get plenty of rest and avoid stress and heat exposure. MG is a lifelong medical condition, but if detected early, most people with myasthenia gravis can improve muscle strength and lead normal lives.

If you are diagnosed with MG, medications, surgery, and doctor appointments will be necessary, which can be costly if you do not have health insurance, or a plan with enough coverage. EZ.Insure can find you a plan that will cover all of your needs, while saving you money. Our agents can compare plans in your area in minutes because we work with the top-rated companies in the country. No obligation or hassle. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Got A Headache? Find Out Which Kind It Is

In the classic 1990 comedy, Kindergarten Cop, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character tells a class of rambunctious kindergartners that he has a headache, but adamantly claims, “It’s NOT a tumor!” When it comes to a headache, though, it could be caused by any number of things, including tumors: it’s important to pay attention to the symptoms! In most cases, headaches are a normal part of life, but, for some people, they can get in the way of work, friends, and family life. So this June, for National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, take the time to familiarize yourself with the different types of headaches that you could be suffering from. With this knowledge, you can determine which kinds are affecting you, how to prevent them, and how to get over them more quickly when they do strike.

What Is A Headache?

silhouette of a head with two red lightning bolts inside of the head. — *Headaches are common and can be triggered by hormones, your environment, or your diet.*

Headaches are the most common pain-related conditions in the world! We get them when blood vessels swell or tighten, and surrounding nerves signal pain to the brain. The pain can be felt in your head, neck, sinuses and ears, and can last anywhere from hours to days. Suffering from headaches, especially migraines, can be hereditary. In fact, children with parents who get migraines are 4 times more likely to develop migraines.

Headaches can be triggered by multiple things, including hormones (ugh, periods), environmental factors such as allergens, secondhand smoke, or your diet. Triggers differ from person to person, and headaches can affect everyone differently, but if you can identify a pattern, then you can figure out what type of headaches you get and how to treat them properly.

Types of Headaches

Thanks to research and clinical trials, we have come a long way in figuring out what causes headaches and how to treat each kind. “We know a lot more than we did 20 years ago about what causes headaches,” says Charles Flippen, MD, associate professor of neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “We know what areas of the brain are generating pain, but we don’t have the whole picture.”

There are around 150 different kinds of headaches, but they can be put into 2 different categories:

Primary Headaches

These are not caused by a medical condition, and are not dangerous. The pain from these headaches is associated with inflammation of pain-sensitive parts of the body around the neck and head. Some of the most common types of primary headaches include:

Tension headaches– These are the most common type of headache, and feel like constant pressure around the forehead, back of the head or neck. Over-the-counter treatments, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen will help get rid of the pain.
Migraines– These intense headaches can be debilitating for some people, and can cause vomiting, neck pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and/or sound. If not treated, a migraine can last for 4 or more hours, or even several days. A common trigger for migraines is a change in your body, such as one due to hormones, stress, or a disruption to your sleep patterns. Women are 3 times more likely to suffer from migraines than men are. Treatment can include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or medications prescribed by a doctor, as well as rest in a quiet, dark room with a hot or cold compress.
Cluster headaches– These are recurring headaches that can occur on and off for 8 days straight. They can last 15 minutes to an hour and a half, and other symptoms can include red or watery eyes and nasal congestion. Cluster headaches can sometimes be genetic, but triggers include alcohol, smoking, and certain foods. There is no cure for these headaches, but medication can reduce how long they last and how often they occur. Treatments can include prescription nasal sprays, oxygen therapy, and preventive medications.
Hypnic headaches– These are rare headaches that occur in people between the ages of 40 and 80. They occur at night and last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. There are no specific treatments for hypnic headaches.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are related to another medical condition that triggers pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head. They are rarer than primary headaches, but are more serious; they can be a warning sign of conditions including brain tumors, aneurysms, meningitis or head injuries. Some of the most common secondary headaches include:

illustration of a women holding the side of her head with pills next to her — *Rebound headaches occur from the overuse of painkillers.*

Sinus headaches– If your sinuses become inflamed, you will experience a fever, pain and nasal discharge that is green or has hints of red. Other symptoms include facial swelling, deep, constant pain in your cheekbones and forehead, and a bad taste in your mouth. Treatment for sinus infections can either be a round of antibiotics, or simply giving it time to clear up. Antihistamines or decongestants can help with symptoms.
Rebound headaches– The overuse of painkillers for headaches can lead to rebound headaches. Taking too much medication can shift the brain into an excited state, which will trigger a headache. Taking any pain reliever more than twice a week or taking triptans (migraine drugs) for more than 10 days a month, can put you at risk for rebound headaches.

Contact Your Doctor

If you’re suffering from a headache that will not go away, or that gets worse over time, contact your doctor, as you could be suffering from an underlying condition. Your doctor can perform an array of tests including a MRI, CT scan, blood test, and a spinal tap if necessary. This way, any serious condition can be ruled out, or if found, treated immediately. Once you are aware what kind of headache you have, you can learn how to treat and even prevent one from occurring in the future. Lifestyle modifications can help eliminate triggers that contribute to your headaches.

It is important to have the right health insurance, otherwise diagnosis and treatment for things like chronic headaches could end up costing you quite a bit of money. Health insurance plays a big role in how much you will pay for medications and any methods used to diagnose a headache. Having a good plan can make the process less stressful. To get free instant quotes and compare plans in minutes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

The 3 Types Of Neurofibromatosis

May is National Neurofibromatosis Month. Neurofibromatosis is a set of complex genetic neurological disorders that affects the development and growth of nerve cell tissues. Tumors grow on nerves in the brain and throughout the body, and while some are harmless, others can lead to serious damage. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease. However, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and relieve pain. Many people have never even heard of this debilitating disease, so today we will focus on what it is, the 3 types of it, their symptoms, its treatment, and why it is so important to do more research to find a cure.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)

Historically called von Recklinghausen disease, this is the most common of the 3 types of neurofibromatosis, occurring in 1 in 3,000 births. The majority of people who have this type of NF inherit the gene from their parents, although approximately 30-50% of cases are due to a spontaneous genetic mutation in the NF1 gene. A child with an infected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic mutation.

Symptoms

the back of a caucasian woman filled with birthmarks — *Symptoms of NF1 include 6 of more birthmarks that are 5mm on children or 15 mm on adults.*

NF1 affects the nerves of the outer part of the body (peripheral nervous system), mainly the skin. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and allow patients to live healthy lives. However, in some cases, the disorder can be life-threatening. Symptoms doctors will look for include:

6 or more birthmarks that are light brown-colored. They usually appear around age 9 and measure anywhere from 5 mm or more in children and 15 mm or more in adolescents and adults.
Neurofibromas, or 2 or more soft, pea-sized bumps. These are tumors that involve multiple nerves and can be present at birth, or they might not become noticeable until years later. These tumors can affect the brain or spinal cord and can grow on nerves of the eye, which can interfere with vision. Most tumors are benign, but some can become cancerous.
Freckling in the groin or armpits. These freckles usually appear around the ages of 3-5 and are smaller in size than the light-brown colored birthmarks previously mentioned.
Lisch nodules in the eyes. These are small brown tumors that appear on the colored part of the eye, or iris. The nodules are usually harmless and do not affect vision.
Bone deformities. Abnormal development of the eye socket or tibia can occur in NF1 patients.

Other signs and symptoms include:

Cardiovascular complications, such as high blood pressure, heart defects, and blocked or damaged blood vessels.
Behavioral issues, such as ADHD.
Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine.

Treatment

three different IV bags hanging — *Chemotherapy is used to treat NF1 brain tumors.*

NF1 cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. People with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 have to be evaluated periodically by a specialist, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. Treatment includes:

Surgery to remove tumors or correct scoliosis or other bone deformities.
Radiation can shrink tumors and get rid of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy can be used to treat eye tumors or brain tumors.
Medications for headaches and seizures.

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)

This type of Neurofibromatosis occurs significantly less often than does NF1, occuring in 1 out of every 25,000 births. Approximately 50% of affected people inherit it through family, while others get it through a genetic mutation in the NF2 gene. The child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene. NF2, also known as bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis, mostly affects the central nervous system, causing tumors of the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms

People with NF2 can develop numerous symptoms, including:

Cataracts– people with NF2 can develop vision problems like cataracts at an earlier age than is usual.
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears– tumors can develop on auditory nerves and can lead to progressive hearing loss as the tumors grow. This is the most common first symptom of NF2.
Peripheral neuropathy– people with NF2 may develop problems with nerve function, usually numbness and weakness in both the arms and legs.

Teenagers and adults are often seen for hearing and balance problems, while young children with NF2 normally seek medical attention because of vision problems.

Treatment

up close picture of a caucasian ear — *Cochlear implants can be put in the inner ear to help with hearing loss due to NF.*

NF2 cannot be cured. After MRIs reveal tumors, it can be treated with:

Surgery to remove tumors, depending on the size and the extent of hearing loss.
Cochlear implants, which can be placed in the inner ear to improve hearing if hearing is completely lost after removing a tumor.

Schwannomatosis

Scwannamatosis is the rarest form of Neurofibromatosis, affecting 1 in 40,000 people. The genetic cause of Schwannomatosis is unknown in some people.

Symptoms

The symptoms are similar to NF2 symptoms, because both include slow growing tumors of the spinal, cranial and peripheral nerves. Some people with this form of NF will have tumors limited to one part of their body, such as an arm, leg, or part of the spine. Symptoms include:

Chronic pain anywhere on the body.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers and toes and/or loss of muscle function.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no accepted medical treatment for schwannomatosis, although surgery can help with growing tumors. Doctors will first determine if the potential benefits of surgery outweigh the risk of nerve damage.

NF is a rare condition, and researchers are working to better understand it. Currently there are clinical drug trials being conducted, as well as genetic studies to figure out the best treatments. With continued studies, researchers are hoping to find a way to control the growth of tumors, as well as develop new drugs and therapies for treatment. While there is still no cure, with the proper diagnosis, treatment, and regular monitoring of symptoms, most people with Neurofibromatosis can live a long, healthy life. NF requires a continuous monitoring of symptoms, as well as blood work, MRIs, and possible surgeries. In addition, people living with Neurofibromatosis often experience emotional and psychological issues, requiring counseling. This can be a financial strain for many families. One thing they should not have to worry about are the medical bills that can come with a chronic condition. EZ can help find a comprehensive plan that fits your budget, at no cost to you. Health insurance should protect your family and ease your mind, not stress you out. Get free quotes by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our local licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

8 Surprising Facts About Lupus

In 2015, Selena Gomez announced that she has lupus, and talked openly about her struggles with the condition. Roughly 5 million people worldwide could relate to her story, while others were left questioning exactly what lupus is. People who have no experience with lupus generally know very little about the dangerous autoimmune disorder, or what they do know could be filled with misinformation. In honor of May being Lupus Awareness Month, we want to bring more awareness to this complex disease and give you some facts about it that you might not be aware of.

1. Lupus is an autoimmune disease.

purple cells with green liquid around them — *Lupus is when your healthy cells are seen as a threat, so your body attacks them.*

Your body’s immune system protects your body from disease and infection by creating antibodies against any virus or threat to the body. With an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, your body mistakes your healthy cells for foreign cells and begins attacking them. It is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning that it is long-lasting, and can last for months, years, or even for life. On its own, lupus is not life threatening, but if not dealt with, it can become life-threatening. Lupus patients are at higher risk for other illnesses such as renal disease, heart attack, stroke, and more.

2. There are 4 types.

Similar to diabetes, there are different types of Lupus:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus– the most common type of lupus, accounting for 70% of all cases. It affects joints and organs.
Lupus Discoid– affects the skin and causes rashes/lesions on the face, neck, and scalp. The lesions have a scaly or crusty appearance and can cause hair loss if they occur on the scalp.
Drug-induced Lupus– develops after a reaction to a medication. Symptoms are similar to systemic lupus, but the symptoms disappear after the course of medication is completed.
Neonatal Lupus– this is very rare, but it affects newborns whose mother has lupus.

3. Younger women are at higher risk.

90% of lupus patients are women. This doesn’t mean that men don’t get lupus, but women are 9 times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than men are. It is thought that women are more prone to developing the disease because of hormones. Lupus also seems to affect younger women more: “Patients with lupus tend to develop the disease between the ages of 15 to 49,” says Irene Blanco, MD, MS, an associate professor of clinical medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a rheumatologist at Montefiore Health System.

4. Race plays a role.

Women of color are diagnosed with lupus 2 to 3 times more often than are Caucasian women. Lupus is most common in African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women. According to The National Institutes of Health, African American women are 3 times more likely than Caucasian women to develop lupus. Asian women suffer worse from the disease than Caucasian women: most Asian patients have a survival rate of only 79% to 92%, compared to the 94% to 96% survival rate of Caucasian women.

5. Lupus is not contagious.

You cannot “catch” lupus from another person, it is something triggered by an individual’s auto-immune system.

6. Lupus can be hard to diagnose.

According to the Lupus Foundation, it takes people an average of 6 years from the onset of symptoms to get their lupus diagnosis. During the 6 years, 55% of patients end up seeing 4 or more doctors to get a diagnosis. This might be because there are 11 common symptoms of lupus, and so many different symptoms can make it harder for doctors to diagnose the disease. In addition, some symptoms mimic those of other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or fibromyalgia, so doctors might mistake it for one of those conditions, and not suspect lupus. The disease is also very individualized, meaning you might experience all of the symptoms, some of them, or even just one.

the anatomy of the inside of a kidney. — *Kidney issues or too much protein in your urine is a symptom.*

Common symptoms include:

Butterfly rash on the cheeks and nose
Scaly rash on the face, neck, ears, scalp, or chest
Sensitivity to light
Ulcers or sores inside the mouth, on the tongue, and inside the nose
Arthritis in 2 or more joints
Chest pain when breathing or moving
Kidney problems or too much protein in your urine
Neurological problems such as seizures or other nerve problems
Low white blood cell count
Malfunctioning immune system
Antinuclear antibodies in a blood test called an ANA

7. There is no known cause or cure.

Lupus is mysterious and complex. There is no known cause for what triggers the symptoms. And because of its complexity, there is unfortunately no known cure. There are treatment options that can help people manage the disease, but no cure as of now.

8. Treatment depends on the symptoms.

If someone with lupus experiences non-life-threatening symptoms such as joint pain or skin rashes, they will be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. However, those with more dangerous and serious symptoms will need a more aggressive treatment, which includes immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroids. Medical treatment allows 80% of lupus patients to live for more than 15 years after diagnosis.Although there is no known cause or cure for lupus, researchers are continuing to work hard to predict who is likely to develop lupus, what organs will be targeted and how to prevent flare-ups with blood tests. They are also looking into immune therapies and medications that might help prevent the disease in high-risk populations. We have come a long way with research; 50 years ago, the survival rate was only 50% at 4 years after a lupus diagnosis. Today, those diagnosed have a 97% survival rate at 5 years and 90% at 10.

If you are experiencing multiple symptoms from the list above, speak with your doctor and get tested. If you are worried that your health insurance will not cover tests, or ongoing treatments for lupus, EZ can help you find a better plan that is affordable and has the right coverage for your needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

White House Prepares Infrastructure Bill With Expanded Child Tax Credit, Free Community College & More

The Biden administration has already won some victories in the battle to provide aid to the American people. For example, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package that was passed in March has extended unemployment insurance, expanded the child tax credit, provided a new round of stimulus checks, and more. Now the Biden administration is pushing a $2.3 trillion infrastructure bill that will further help struggling Americans, as well as improve the country’s infrastructure.

Repair America

Part of Biden’s plan is focused on infrastructure spending, with a proposed $115 billion going toward repairing roads, bridges, waterways and railways across America. The bill would also set aside $100 billion for our country’s education infrastructure, including upgrading older schools, as well as building new ones. This spending would also go towards universal pre-K, free community college, and reduced tuition at historically African American colleges and universities.

Lower the Price of Medications

One of the largest issues for millions of Americans is the cost of medications. In fact, prescription drugs can be so expensive that many Americans are seeking medications from other countries. President Biden wants to change all of that: the White House plans to force pharmaceutical companies to lower their prices or pay a penalty.

Focus On Climate Change

Biden’s plan does not stop there. The president is also proposing spending billions on rebates and tax incentives to encourage Americans to purchase electric vehicles, and for transitioning school buses and transit vehicles from diesel to electric. The bill would also include $400 billion to combat climate change, including $60 billion related to green transit and $46 billion for climate-related research and development. Biden also hopes to install electric-vehicle charging stations across America.

Expand the Child Tax Credit

As part of the recently signed Covid relief bill, an increased child tax credit is in effect for just one year, but Biden hopes to expand the child tax credit for several years with his new proposal.

Help Low-Income Americans

The proposed bill will include $200 billion for housing infrastructure, including $100 billion to expand housing for low-income Americans.

Increase Corporate Tax

illustration of a calculator on a piece of paper with money next to the paper. — *President Biden is hoping to increase the corporate tax by 7% in the infrastructure bill.*

President Biden is seeking to raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%. He also plans on increasing taxes on wealthy investors. Republicans are opposed to the tax increase: “The GOP won’t vote for these tax hikes. Why should they be the tax collectors for Biden’s spending spree?” said Brian Riedl, a former aide to Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

The infrastructure bill is still in the planning stages, and is not yet ready for debate in the House and Senate. President Biden met with bipartisan members of the House and Senate on Monday, April 12 to discuss the infrastructure plan. Republicans criticized the reliance of the bill on corporate tax increases, and Biden acknowledged it and said he would continue to work with Republicans to get their support. He even offered them the ability to offer their own proposals, stating, “I’m open to other ideas,” he said, “so long as they do not impose any tax increase on people making less than $400,000.” A senior Republican senator said he and his colleagues could support an infrastructure bill of around $800 billion that focuses on improvements to roads, bridges and broadband access that would be funded through user fees and tax incentives. Negotiations are set to continue in the meantime.

What Exactly Is ALS?

Think back to 2014. Do you remember the ice bucket challenge that went viral? In case you need your memory jogged, throughout that year, people were tagged on social media by their friends or family and challenged to dump ice cold water over their heads. To some it was just a challenge, but it began as much more than just a bit of fun. It was originally intended to raise awareness and money for ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a motor neuron disease that affects 30,000 people in the U.S., with 1-3 new cases per 100,000 people every year. But what exactly is ALS? And who is most at risk for developing it?

ALS Explained

ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is characterized as a group of progressive neurological diseases that cause dysfunction in the nerves that control muscle movement. The nerve cells in the brain degenerate and eventually die, which stops the communication between the nervous system and the voluntary movements of the body. Once the motor neurons are gone, muscles become weak and then nonfunctional. The disease can be fatal because the nerves that control breathing can die.

Symptoms

Signs of the disease usually appear when a person is in their 50s or 60s, but can appear earlier or later. Early signs of ALS include:

Slight muscle weakness
Clumsy hand movements
Tripping and falling due to muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Impaired and/or loss of function of the tongue, mouth, and/or voice box
Leg cramps during the night
Uncontrolled twitching of muscles
Stiffness in the legs
Coughing

As ALS progresses, symptoms become more widespread, and some muscles become paralyzed, while others are weakened or unaffected. In late-stage ALS, most muscles that affect voluntary movements are paralyzed.

Who Is Affected By ALS?

ALS can affect anyone of any age, gender or race, but studies show that people between the ages of 40 and 70 are most affected.

Unfortunately, the exact underlying cause of ALS is unknown, but researchers have made some speculations as to what could cause it, including a disorganized immune system, a chemical imbalance, or mishandling of proteins by nerve cells. It is thought that the environment can play a role as well. There have been some possible links between ALS and mechanical or electrical trauma, high levels of exercise, high levels of agricultural chemicals and high levels of heavy metals.

mri machine — *An MRI can help diagnose ALS.*

There are 2 types of this disease, one of which affects far more people:

Sporadic ALS, which occurs randomly with no family history, and accounts for 90-95% of cases.
Familial ALS, which is inherited and runs in the family. It accounts for 5-10% of cases.

Genetic testing can be done if there is a suspected familial cause of ALS; there are other tests that can also be done including:

Electromyography (EMG), which measures the muscles’ response to triggers.
Muscle biopsy, which examines muscle tissue under a microscope.
MRI, so doctors can examine organs and tissues in the brain and spinal cord.
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap

Most people will live for about 3-5 years after they experience their first signs of ALS. The life expectancy of those affected is:

20% will live 5 years or more after diagnosis
10%, or 1 in 10 people, will live more than 10 years following a diagnosis.
5% will live for 20 years
Survival past 20 years is possible, but rare. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed at age 21, and lived to age 76.

Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment to stop the progression of ALS, which is why the ice bucket challenge took the internet by storm. More research needs to be done to discover effective treatments for those suffering with ALS.

stethoscope with a blood pressure cuff next to it — *It is important to get monitored every 3-4 months to manage ALS.*

While there is no cure or treatment for ALS, those who receive a diagnosis of this disease will need to schedule clinic visits every 3-4 months to monitor changes. ALS is a complex disease, but with the help of doctors, physical and occupational therapists, counselors, and a nutritional plan, people with the disease can manage the symptoms and slow the progression. All of this can be expensive, so having a good insurance plan will help keep those with ALS from being buried under medical bills.

If you are looking for a comprehensive health insurance plan that will ease the burden of medical bills while you’re dealing with a health condition, EZ can help. Our trained licensed agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we can compare all available options for your needs. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation, just free quotes.