Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (original) (raw)

Also called: ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease

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• Summary
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• Symptoms
• Diagnosis and Tests
• Prevention and Risk Factors

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Summary

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disease that attacks nerve cells called neurons in your brain and spinal cord. These neurons transmit messages from your brain and spinal cord to your voluntary muscles - the ones you can control, like in your arms and legs. At first, this causes mild muscle problems. Some people notice:

• Trouble walking or running
• Trouble writing
• Speech problems

Eventually, you lose your strength and cannot move. When muscles in your chest fail, you cannot breathe. A breathing machine can help, but most people with ALS die from respiratory failure.

The disease usually strikes between age 40 and 60. More men than women get it. No one knows what causes ALS. It can run in families, but usually it strikes at random. There is no cure. Medicines can relieve symptoms and, sometimes, prolong survival.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Start Here

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) Also in Spanish

• What Is ALS? (ALS Association)

• ALS Symptoms and Diagnosis (ALS Association) Also in Spanish

• Stages of ALS (Muscular Dystrophy Association)

• Diagnosis of ALS (Muscular Dystrophy Association)

• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish

• Who Gets ALS? (ALS Association)

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (National Institutes of Health)

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Also in Spanish