medical IDs for ALS

Medical IDs for ALS

The confidence to live with ALS

Getting a diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) for you or your loved one isn’t something anyone wants to go through. But once you have processed reality and begin making plans for the future, it’s important to think about safety and quality of life.

 

This is where medical IDs for ALS play an important role for people living with the condition.

How MedicAlert protects those living with ALS

One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people living with ALS, their families and caregivers.

24/7 Emergency Response

Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.

Digital Health Profile

All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.

Emergency Contact Notification

In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.

Patient Instructions

Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.

Pair a medical ID for ALS with the protection plan that’s right for you.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease of the nervous system. It’s a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Initially, someone with ALS experiences only mild symptoms, including problems with general motor functions like walking or talking. Due to the degenerative nature of the disease, symptoms get worse over time as the neurons in the brain and spinal cord break down. Treatment can help preserve a person’s quality of life for as long as possible.

What causes ALS?

Currently, the cause of ALS is unknown. Some people do inherit a specific mutated gene, but in most cases, the cause is unclear. Research continues in the hopes that both the cause of the disease and a cure for it can be discovered in the future. It is thought that a combination of genetics and environmental factors influence ALS, but this is still not confirmed.

What to engrave on MedicAlert medical IDs for ALS:

MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our ALS bracelets and medical ID products. Engravings on medical IDs for ALS should include any critical medical information that can protect and save lives in an accident or medical emergency, for example:

  • ALS
  • Other medical conditions
  • Medications you’re taking
  • Allergies to drugs
  • Implanted devices
  • Any additional medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
medical IDs for ALS

Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for ALS.

Risk factors for ALS

Men seem to be more frequently affected by ALS than women. It also seems to affect more military veterans than the average person, though anyone can develop ALS. More than 5,000 people are diagnosed every year. Smokers may be at higher risk than non-smokers. Although ALS has been known to run in families, it more often occurs unpredictably, with only 10% of cases being inherited. Most people start noticing symptoms between the ages of 40 and 60.

ALS treatment and management

ALS medical treatment is currently able to help people living with the disease enjoy a greater quality of life for as long as possible. The disease is always fatal, but treatment can be extremely beneficial for people living with ALS and their loved ones.

Medication can be used to slow down the progression of the disease. Both oral medications and intravenous infusions are used for the treatment of ALS. Other medications are often prescribed to treat the symptoms of ALS and increase comfort.

People with ALS can also benefit from additional therapies and assistance, such as physical and occupational therapy. Communication, breathing, and nutritional support are also important for people living with ALS, especially as the disease progresses.

ALS is a degenerative disease with no cure, but people can and do live for years after their diagnosis. Brilliant scientist Dr. Stephen Hawking lived for more than 50 years after being diagnosed with ALS.

The mission of the ALS Association is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS. The provide resources for people and families living to help those with ALS live life to the fullest.

Tips for coping with ALS

A diagnosis of ALS is challenging for families. However, there are resources to help people living with ALS and their loved ones cope. Joining a support group can be a good way to process your emotions and learn to live with an ALS diagnosis. As with any medical condition, you should consult your doctor for specific instructions on managing your condition.

How medical IDs for ALS combined with MedicAlert Membership provide peace of mind

  • We’re your voice:  If you can’t speak for yourself due to a medical emergency, your ID will speak for you – informing others about your ALS and any medications you’re taking.

  • 24/7 emergency protection:  In an emergency, the MedicAlert team will relay all of your critical medical information to first responders, no matter where or when your emergency happens.

  • Always connected:  You should never be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your designated contacts if you are unable to do so.

  • Live with peace of mind and confidence:  MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with ALS, knowing we’ve got you covered. 
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.