Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease". The term Amyotrophic refers to the muscle atrophy (loss of muscle) which occurs with ALS. Lateral refers to the location of the affected nerves on either side of the spinal cord. Sclerosis refers to the hardened scar tissue that builds up when the nerve cell dies.
This is a relentless progressive disease in which the motor neurons in the brain (upper motor neurons) and the spinal motor neurons (lower motor neurons) progressively deteriorate, discontinuing the ability of messages to be sent to the muscles. Because of this, muscles wastes away causing muscle weakness. Eventually the individual suffering from the disease will no longer be able to move any muscles, although the mind and senses remains completely unaffected.
Once diagnosed with the disease, life expectancy ranges between 2 and 5 years, depending on many factors such as age, and progression of the disease.
Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at age 21 he was given two years to live. Three years later he graduated with his PhD from Cambridge University and is one of today's great physicists. Stephen Hawking
There are 2 types of ALS:
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Visible Symptoms of the Disease
ALS and Homeostatic Affects
Treatment Options
Prognosis for the Disease
Genetic Basis for the Disease
Transmission and Expression of the Disease
History of the Disease
Presence of the Disease in other species
Populations Affected by the Disease
North-American perspective on the Disease
Forcast for the Future
Stats
Bibliography
