Alternative Names & Classifications:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (CLINICAL), Lou Gehrig's Disease (CLINICAL)
Description
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) destroys motor neurons, the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. As these neurons degenerate and die, they stop sending messages to the muscles, leading to muscle wasting and profound weakness. The exact cause is unknown in most cases, but it generally strikes between ages 40 and 70.