BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)Lou Gehrig disease; ALS; Upper and lower motor neuron disease; Motor neuron diseaseAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain, brain stem and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig disease. Causes One in 10 cases of ALS is due to a genetic defect. The cause is unknown in most other cases.In ALS, motor nerve cells (neurons) waste away or die, and can no longer send messages to muscles. This eventually leads to muscle weakening, twitching, and an inability to move the arms, legs, and body. The condition slowly gets worse. When the muscles in the chest area stop working, it becomes hard or impossible to breathe.ALS affects approximately 5 out of every 100,000 people worldwide.Having a family member who has a hereditary form of the disease is a risk factor for ALS. Other risks include military service. The reasons for this are unclear, but it may have to do with environmental exposure to toxins. Symptoms Symptoms usually do not develop until after age 50, but they can start in younger people. People with ALS have a loss of muscle strength and coordination that eventually gets worse and makes it impossible for them to do routine tasks such as going up steps, getting out of a chair, or swallowing.Weakness can first affect the arms or legs, or the ability to breathe or swallow. As the disease gets worse, more muscle groups develop problems.ALS does not affect the senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch). Most people are able to think normally, although a small number develop dementia, causing problems with memory.Muscle weakness starts in one body part, such as the arm or hand, and slowly gets worse until it leads to the following:Difficulty lifting, climbing stairs, and walking Difficulty breathing Difficulty swallowing -- choking easily, drooling, or gagging Head drop due to weakness of the neck muscles Speech problems, such as a slow or abnormal speech pattern (slurring of words) Voice changes, hoarsenessOther findings include:Depression Muscle cramps Muscle crampsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle stiffness, called spasticity Muscle contractions, called fasciculations Muscle contractionsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your medical history and symptoms.The physical exam may show:Weakness, often beginning in one area Muscle tremors, spasms, twitching, or loss of muscle tissue Twitching of the tongue (common) Abnormal reflexes Stiff or clumsy walk Decreased or increased reflexes at the joints Difficulty controlling crying or laughing (sometimes called emotional incontinence) Loss of gag reflex Tests that may be done include: Blood tests to rule out other conditions Breathing test to see if lung muscles are affected Cervical spine CT or MRI to be sure there is no disease or injury to the neck, which can mimic ALS Cervical spine CTA computed tomography (CT) scan of the cervical spine makes cross-sectional pictures of the neck. It uses x-rays to create the images.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography to see which nerves or muscles do not work properly ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic testing, if there is a family history of ALS Head CT or MRI to rule out other conditions Head CTA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swallowing studies Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) Treatment There is no known cure for ALS. Two medicines are available that help slow the progression of symptoms and may help people live slightly longer:Riluzole (Rilutek) Edaravone (Radicava)Treatments to control other symptoms include: Baclofen or diazepam for spasticity that interferes with daily activities SpasticitySpasticity is stiff or rigid muscles. It may also be called unusual tightness or increased muscle tone. Reflexes (for example, a knee-jerk reflex) ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trihexyphenidyl or amitriptyline for people with problems swallowing their own saliva Physical therapy, rehabilitation, use of braces or a wheelchair, or other measures may be needed to help with muscle function and general health.People with ALS tend to lose weight. The illness itself increases the need for food and calories. At the same time, problems with choking and swallowing make it hard to eat enough. To help with feeding, a tube may be placed into the stomach. A dietitian who specializes in ALS can give advice on healthy eating.Breathing devices include machines that are used only at night, and constant mechanical ventilation.Medicine for depression may be needed if a person with ALS is feeling sad. They also should discuss their wishes regarding artificial ventilation with their families and providers. Support Groups Emotional support is vital in coping with the disorder, because mental functioning is not affected. Groups such as the ALS Association may be available to help people who are coping with the disorder.GroupsThe following organizations are good resources for information on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:Muscular Dystrophy Association -- www. mda. org/disea...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Support for people who are caring for someone with ALS is also available, and may be very helpful. Outlook (Prognosis) Over time, people with ALS lose the ability to function and care for themselves. Death often occurs within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. About 1 in 4 people survive for more than 5 years after diagnosis. Some people live much longer, but they typically need help breathing from a ventilator or other device. Possible Complications Complications of ALS include:Breathing in food or fluid (aspiration) AspirationAspiration means to draw in or out using a sucking motion. It has two meanings:Breathing in a foreign object (for example, sucking food into the air...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of ability to care for self Lung failure Pneumonia PneumoniaPneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pressure sores Weight loss When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if: You have symptoms of ALS, particularly if you have a family history of the disorder You or someone else has been diagnosed with ALS and symptoms get worse or new symptoms develop Increased difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and episodes of apnea are symptoms that require immediate attention.ApneaBreathing that stops from any cause is called apnea. Slowed breathing is called bradypnea. Labored or difficult breathing is known as dyspnea....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention You may want to see a genetic counselor if you have a family history of ALS.Open ReferencesReferencesFearon C, Murray B, Mitsumoto H. Disorders of upper and lower motor neurons. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 97.Shaw PJ, Cudkowicz ME. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 391.van Es MA, Hardiman O, Chio A, et al. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lancet. 2017;390(10107):2084-2098. PMID: 28552366 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552366/.AllVideoImagesTogCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationRelated Information Community-acquired pneumonia in adults(Condition)Respiratory(Special Topic)Acute respiratory distress syndrome(Condition)Pneumonia - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/25/2022 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)Lou Gehrig disease; ALS; Upper and lower motor neuron disease; Motor neuron diseaseAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain, brain stem and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig disease. Causes One in 10 cases of ALS is due to a genetic defect. The cause is unknown in most other cases.In ALS, motor nerve cells (neurons) waste away or die, and can no longer send messages to muscles. This eventually leads to muscle weakening, twitching, and an inability to move the arms, legs, and body. The condition slowly gets worse. When the muscles in the chest area stop working, it becomes hard or impossible to breathe.ALS affects approximately 5 out of every 100,000 people worldwide.Having a family member who has a hereditary form of the disease is a risk factor for ALS. Other risks include military service. The reasons for this are unclear, but it may have to do with environmental exposure to toxins. Symptoms Symptoms usually do not develop until after age 50, but they can start in younger people. People with ALS have a loss of muscle strength and coordination that eventually gets worse and makes it impossible for them to do routine tasks such as going up steps, getting out of a chair, or swallowing.Weakness can first affect the arms or legs, or the ability to breathe or swallow. As the disease gets worse, more muscle groups develop problems.ALS does not affect the senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch). Most people are able to think normally, although a small number develop dementia, causing problems with memory.Muscle weakness starts in one body part, such as the arm or hand, and slowly gets worse until it leads to the following:Difficulty lifting, climbing stairs, and walking Difficulty breathing Difficulty swallowing -- choking easily, drooling, or gagging Head drop due to weakness of the neck muscles Speech problems, such as a slow or abnormal speech pattern (slurring of words) Voice changes, hoarsenessOther findings include:Depression Muscle cramps Muscle crampsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle stiffness, called spasticity Muscle contractions, called fasciculations Muscle contractionsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your medical history and symptoms.The physical exam may show:Weakness, often beginning in one area Muscle tremors, spasms, twitching, or loss of muscle tissue Twitching of the tongue (common) Abnormal reflexes Stiff or clumsy walk Decreased or increased reflexes at the joints Difficulty controlling crying or laughing (sometimes called emotional incontinence) Loss of gag reflex Tests that may be done include: Blood tests to rule out other conditions Breathing test to see if lung muscles are affected Cervical spine CT or MRI to be sure there is no disease or injury to the neck, which can mimic ALS Cervical spine CTA computed tomography (CT) scan of the cervical spine makes cross-sectional pictures of the neck. It uses x-rays to create the images.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography to see which nerves or muscles do not work properly ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic testing, if there is a family history of ALS Head CT or MRI to rule out other conditions Head CTA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swallowing studies Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) Treatment There is no known cure for ALS. Two medicines are available that help slow the progression of symptoms and may help people live slightly longer:Riluzole (Rilutek) Edaravone (Radicava)Treatments to control other symptoms include: Baclofen or diazepam for spasticity that interferes with daily activities SpasticitySpasticity is stiff or rigid muscles. It may also be called unusual tightness or increased muscle tone. Reflexes (for example, a knee-jerk reflex) ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trihexyphenidyl or amitriptyline for people with problems swallowing their own saliva Physical therapy, rehabilitation, use of braces or a wheelchair, or other measures may be needed to help with muscle function and general health.People with ALS tend to lose weight. The illness itself increases the need for food and calories. At the same time, problems with choking and swallowing make it hard to eat enough. To help with feeding, a tube may be placed into the stomach. A dietitian who specializes in ALS can give advice on healthy eating.Breathing devices include machines that are used only at night, and constant mechanical ventilation.Medicine for depression may be needed if a person with ALS is feeling sad. They also should discuss their wishes regarding artificial ventilation with their families and providers. Support Groups Emotional support is vital in coping with the disorder, because mental functioning is not affected. Groups such as the ALS Association may be available to help people who are coping with the disorder.GroupsThe following organizations are good resources for information on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:Muscular Dystrophy Association -- www. mda. org/disea...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Support for people who are caring for someone with ALS is also available, and may be very helpful. Outlook (Prognosis) Over time, people with ALS lose the ability to function and care for themselves. Death often occurs within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. About 1 in 4 people survive for more than 5 years after diagnosis. Some people live much longer, but they typically need help breathing from a ventilator or other device. Possible Complications Complications of ALS include:Breathing in food or fluid (aspiration) AspirationAspiration means to draw in or out using a sucking motion. It has two meanings:Breathing in a foreign object (for example, sucking food into the air...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of ability to care for self Lung failure Pneumonia PneumoniaPneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pressure sores Weight loss When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if: You have symptoms of ALS, particularly if you have a family history of the disorder You or someone else has been diagnosed with ALS and symptoms get worse or new symptoms develop Increased difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and episodes of apnea are symptoms that require immediate attention.ApneaBreathing that stops from any cause is called apnea. Slowed breathing is called bradypnea. Labored or difficult breathing is known as dyspnea....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention You may want to see a genetic counselor if you have a family history of ALS.Open ReferencesReferencesFearon C, Murray B, Mitsumoto H. Disorders of upper and lower motor neurons. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 97.Shaw PJ, Cudkowicz ME. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 391.van Es MA, Hardiman O, Chio A, et al. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lancet. 2017;390(10107):2084-2098. PMID: 28552366 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552366/.