3-6. AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) (Lou Gehrig's disease)

a. Definition of ALS. This disease is the most common of the motor neuron diseases that cause muscular atrophy (muscle degeneration and loss of function). Motor neurons in the spinal cord, medulla, and cortex degenerate.

b. Causes of ALS. The cause of the disease is not known specifically. What is known is that the disease produces muscular atrophy through degeneration of the motor cells in the spinal cord and the medulla. The disease usually occurs in the 50 to 70 age group.

c. Signs/Symptoms of ALS. The disease is characterized by progressive muscular weakness. Aching pain and emotional outbursts are also signs and symptoms of ALS.

d. Treatment of ALS. Presently, no effective treatment for ALS exists. The aims of managing the disease are to provide emotional, psychological, and physical support and to control the patient's symptoms.