Ask the Doc: Q & A with Edward Kasarskis, MD, PhD

Edward Kasarskis, MD, PhD is Director of the University of Kentucky ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kentucky, and Chief of Neurology at the VA Medical Center in Lexington KY. 

Dr. Kasarskis

Q:  What should someone with ALS know about taking over-the-counter pain medications for common ailments, like headaches or other everyday aches and pains?

Dr. Kasarskis:  

It's common for people with ALS to have aches and pains just like all of us. Most people 50 and over have some osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis, and the immobility associated with ALS can make that discomfort worse. Muscle cramping can also be associated with ALS. And of course everyone can get a headache, a sore throat or ordinary muscle tension.

People with ALS can and should treat those common discomforts, and I suggest first trying something that has worked for you before, such as Motrin, Tylenol or Aleve. If you're taking other medications, it's smart to ask your physician or pharmacist if the pain killer you're choosing might interact with another medication you're taking.

If the non-steroidal medication doesn't work, talk with your physician about what the best next level drug would be for you. If you find your pain is related to join immobility, you may benefit from physical therapy that will help maintain as much mobility as possible, which may reduce your discomfort, too.

Each issue we feature a leading neurologist specializing in ALS responding to a question. If you would like to submit questions for a future Q & A, please send your questions to Amber Walters. Please understand that we won’t be able to address all questions and we won’t be able to respond to individuals personally.