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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.
Pictures & Images
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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
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
• Pneumonia
• Tremor
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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