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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Alternate Names : ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease
Definition A disease of the motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive loss of motor control.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is caused by progressive loss of motor nerves in the spinal cord and brain. In about 10% of cases, ALS is caused by a genetic defect. In other cases, the cause of the nerve deterioration is unknown.
ALS affects approximately 1 out of 100,000 people.
Except for having a family member affected with the hereditary form of the disease, there are no known risk factors.
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Definition Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Symptoms & Signs Prevention Diagnosis & Tests Treatment Prognosis Complications Support Groups Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Tests & Exams
Cranial CT Scan Electromyography MRI of the Head
Other Topics
ALS - Resources Breathing - Slowed or Stopped Breathing Difficulty Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling Heimlich Maneuver Hoarseness or Changing Voice Movement - Uncoordinated Muscle Atrophy Muscle Cramps Muscle Function Loss Proximal Respiratory Spasticity Speech Impairment (Adult) Swallowing Difficulty Weakness
Review Date : 11/3/2002
Reviewed By : Joseph V. Campellone, MD; Division of Neurology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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