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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
(Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Definition -
A disease of the motor neurons, muscle-controlling nerve
cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.
Cause - generally
unknown, although genetic factors are thought to play a role; about 10 percent
of cases are clearly genetic, with a family history
Onset
-usually adulthood
Symptoms - generalized weakness
and muscle wasting with cramps and muscle twitches common
Progression
- ALS first affects legs, arms and/or throat and mouth muscles but ultimately
affects all voluntary muscles, resulting in paralysis. Usually progresses
rapidly with 3- to 5-year average survival.
Inheritance - primarily sporadic,
but can be autosomal dominant and, in very rare cases, autosomal recessive
