My mother was diagnosed with ALS 14 months ago. She is unable to speak and uses a peg to eat. My concern is that she recently started having issues with opening her mouth. She can only.open it approx. 1.5cm in the front. Her doctor at the ALS clinic prescribed muscle relaxes, but they don t seem to be working. Is this a common symptom of ALS? Could it be something other than a muscular issue?
Hello dear, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motor neuron disease affecting the anterior horn cells and thus destroying the muscles supplied by that neurons. It is of many types with presentation varied. As per your narration it seems to Bulgar onset with more involvement of speech and agglutination. Some diseases may cause loss anterior horn cells but in majority cases its idiopathic. You need to consult neurologist regularly who can investigate properly and advice appropriate management at different stages of disease. As of for treatment the option are limited. Jejunostomy tube for feeding, tracheostomy and home ventilation for respiratory involvement.  Chat Doctor.  Hope you found the answer helpful. God bless you and your family. 