Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Also called: ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease 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 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Start Here All About ALS National Institutes of Health ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Frequently Asked Questions about ALS and the ALS Registry Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What Is ALS? ALS Association Find an Expert ALS Association ALS Association National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Array Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Swallowing problems Related Issues Benefits for Military Veterans with ALS ALS Association For Caregivers: Coping with Burnout ALS Association MDA ALS Caregiver’s Guide Muscular Dystrophy Association Oral Care for the Patient with ALS: A Guide for the Caregiver ALS Association Living With Breathing Difficulties ALS Association Everyday Life with ALS: A Practical Guide Muscular Dystrophy Association Products to Aid in Daily Living ALS Association Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests Diagnosing ALS ALS Association Electromyography (EMG) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Genetics Genetic Testing for ALS ALS Association Genetics Home Reference: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis National Library of Medicine Reference Desk Glossary of ALS-Related Medical and Scientific Terms ALS Association Symptoms Initial Symptoms of ALS ALS Association Children Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) Nemours Foundation Statistics and Research NIH Researchers Identify New Gene Mutation Associated with ALS and Dementia National Institute on Aging Who Gets ALS? ALS Association Journal Articles Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Latest News Pesticides Linked to Raised Risk of ALS HealthDay
