Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or “Lou Gehrig’s disease” is a neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons. It affects three to five individuals per 100,000 population. ALS is attributed to muscle atrophy and lateral sclerosis of the spinal cord. This article covers the diagnosis and management of ALS. Overview Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare disorder involving degeneration of the motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle movement.
As the disease progresses, it will eventually lead to paralysis or death. Currently, no definitive treatment is available to halt or reverse the progression of the disease. However, several medications and healthcare interventions are available to reduce the symptoms, improve the quality of living, and prolong life. Symptoms ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons, thereby showing signs of lower motor neuron degeneration within…
