Symbolic image of ALS patient recovering and reaching for the sky.

ALS Breakthrough: Can Edaravone Offer Hope for Symptom Reversal?

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A case study suggests edaravone infusions may do more than just slow the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis."

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has long been a formidable challenge for patients and medical professionals alike. Characterized by the gradual loss of motor neurons, ALS leads to muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and eventually, respiratory failure. While there's no cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

Edaravone, a medication approved for ALS treatment, has been shown to slow the decline of function in some patients. However, a recent case study has sparked interest by suggesting that edaravone may not only slow progression but also potentially reverse certain ALS symptoms in some individuals.

This article delves into the details of this intriguing case study, exploring the observed improvements in a patient receiving edaravone infusions and what this could mean for the future of ALS treatment. We'll examine the specific symptoms that showed reversal, the potential mechanisms behind these changes, and the implications for patients and researchers alike.

A Glimmer of Hope: Edaravone's Impact on ALS Symptoms

Symbolic image of ALS patient recovering and reaching for the sky.

The case study focuses on a 52-year-old female (identified as HB) diagnosed with ALS in February 2017. Prior to starting edaravone infusions in November 2017, HB experienced a rapid decline in her physical abilities. By August 2017, her ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score had dropped to 18/48, indicating significant functional impairment. She was bedbound, unable to move her extremities, facially express emotions (except for crying), and had limited verbal communication, relying on a speech-generating device.

After receiving three cycles of edaravone infusions, HB demonstrated notable improvements. Her ALSFRS-R score increased from 16/48 to 21/48, with specific gains in areas such as:

Turning in Bed: Increased ability to move and adjust position independently.
Dyspnea and Orthopnea: Reduced difficulty breathing, whether lying down or in general.
Respiratory Insufficiency: Improvement in overall respiratory function.

Beyond the numerical improvements in ALSFRS-R scores, the visiting nurse observed remarkable changes. After the initial cycle of edaravone, HB's family reported increased energy levels and the ability to assist with transfers from the bed to a wheelchair. Most strikingly, during the second cycle, HB was sitting up in a chair, greeted the nurse with a smile, and verbally said “Hi”—her first clear communication since becoming nonverbal months prior.

The Road Ahead: Further Research and Cautious Optimism

While this case study offers a promising glimpse into the potential of edaravone, it's crucial to interpret the findings with caution. As a single case, it doesn't provide definitive proof of symptom reversal in all ALS patients. Further research, including larger, controlled clinical trials, is needed to confirm these observations and understand the mechanisms behind them.

It's also important to acknowledge that edaravone isn't a cure for ALS. It may not be effective for all patients, and its benefits can vary. However, for some individuals, it may offer more than just a slowing of disease progression—it could potentially lead to meaningful improvements in their quality of life.

The ongoing collection and evaluation of data will be essential in determining the long-term effects of edaravone and identifying which patients are most likely to benefit. This case study serves as a reminder of the importance of continued research and the potential for new breakthroughs in the fight against ALS, hopefully offering some hope to those affected.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/21556660.2018.1521043, Alternate LINK

Title: Case Study: Improvement In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Symptoms In A Patient Receiving Edaravone Infusions

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Drug Assessment

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: B. Prosser, C. Miller, K. Malloy

Published: 2018-09-20

Everything You Need To Know

What is edaravone, and how is it currently understood to impact Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

Edaravone is a medication approved for treating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has been shown to slow down the decline of function in some ALS patients. A recent case study suggests that beyond slowing the progression, edaravone might potentially reverse certain symptoms in some individuals. This is a departure from the traditional understanding of the drug's effects, warranting further investigation.

What specific improvements were observed in the patient after receiving edaravone infusions?

In the case study, after receiving edaravone infusions, the patient showed improvements in turning in bed, experiencing less difficulty with dyspnea and orthopnea, and exhibiting improved respiratory function. Notably, the patient regained the ability to verbally communicate and showed increased energy levels, being able to assist with transfers from the bed to a wheelchair.

What is the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), and how did the patient's score change during the study?

The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is a tool used to assess the functional status of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It evaluates various aspects of motor function, such as speech, swallowing, handwriting, cutting food, dressing and hygiene, turning in bed, walking, climbing stairs, dyspnea, orthopnea, and respiratory insufficiency. In this instance, an increase in ALSFRS-R score reflects an improvement in the patient's functional abilities. In this specific case, the patient's ALSFRS-R score increased from 16/48 to 21/48 after edaravone treatment.

How should the results of this case study be interpreted, and what further research is needed to confirm the findings?

While the case study offers promising insights into the potential of edaravone in reversing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis symptoms, it's important to remain cautiously optimistic. As a single case, it doesn't provide definitive proof of symptom reversal for all patients. Additional research, including larger, controlled clinical trials, is necessary to validate these findings and gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying these changes. Further studies could explore variations in patient response based on disease stage, genetic factors, and other variables.

If edaravone can reverse Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis symptoms, what implications does this have for treating the disease and improving patients' quality of life?

The potential for edaravone to reverse Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis symptoms could significantly impact the quality of life for individuals living with ALS. If confirmed through further research, this could lead to new treatment strategies aimed not only at slowing disease progression but also at restoring lost function. This shift would require a reassessment of treatment paradigms and potentially lead to more aggressive and early intervention strategies to maximize the benefits of edaravone or similar therapies. However, further investigations are needed to understand which ALS patients are most likely to experience symptom reversal with edaravone treatment.