The Dynamics of a Wheelchair Purchasing for the Lou Gehrig's Patient

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive disease that often leaves the sufferer unable to perform activities of daily living. As a disorder that complicates the quality of life for the sufferer, those diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis often face great challenges when working through the financial and medical issues that face them in the years to come.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder believed to be attributed to a complication involving either chromosome 21, may be attributed to an autoimmune complication or may be related to a toxic effect. With so many theories about the cause and origin, ALS researches continued to be stumped by the profound impact this disease has on the life of the patient. As an "all encompassing" term, ALS is most commonly attached to complications involving both inherited and acquired motor neuron diseases.

As there is no effective treatment for ALS, the individual who suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease is often left with only those options used to slow progression, manage symptoms and complications and find ways in which to improve the quality of life.

As part of the management of the quality of life in the ALS patient, there will come a time when the use of a wheelchair may be necessary. The timing of wheelchair use, of course, will not be the same for every ALS patient. As a result, each patient will need to discuss the dynamics and impact a wheelchair can provide in restoring quality of life. For most occupational therapists, the rule of thumb lies in the loss of mobility in the patient. This is to say, if the ALS patient is losing the ability to engage in activities once enjoyed, a wheelchair may be able to restore the mobility lost.