What Can O.J. Brigance Do to Fight His Disease

O. J. Brigance was a championship football player in the National Football League and the Canadian Football League. He is one of the few players who won both a CFL and NFL championship and is the only one to accomplish this great achievement for teams from the same city - Baltimore (Stallions and Ravens). O. J. is currently the Director of Player Development at Baltimore Ravens. He’s a motivator for the team.

O. J. has been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) which is a motor neurone disease that might be fatal. The symptoms are frequently overlooked. At first, it appears like a weakness and/or muscle atrophy. Then comes cramping, twitching and/or stiffness of muscles. In later stages of ALS, patients have difficulty breathing. Eventually patients can’t breathe on their own anymore and depend on ventilatory support for survival.

Researchers have’t found a cure yet. Even so, FDA (the Food and Drug Administration) has approved the treatment with riluzole (Rilutek), a medicine that may reduce damage to motor neurone. Other treatments for ALS are for relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients.

Physical therapy and special equipment can increase patients' independence and safety during the course of ALS. Gentle and low-impact aerobic exercise such as swimming, walking, and stationary bicycling can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen unaffected muscles, and help patients fight depression and fatigue. Range of motion and stretching exercises may help prevent painful spasticity and shortening of muscles.

Patients can learn how to plan numerous small meals during the day that provide enough fiber, calories, and fluid. Also they should avoid foods that are difficult to swallow.