ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive wasting away of certain nerve cells of the brain and spinal column called motor neurons. The motor neurons control the voluntary muscles, which are the muscles that allow movement. Over a period of months or years, ALS causes increasing muscle weakness, inability to control movement, and problems with speaking, swallowing, and breathing. The disease does not affect a person's ability to think. It does not produce abnormal sensations (tingling or numbness) or loss of sensation.

In the United States and most other parts of the world, 1 to 2 people per 100,000 develop ALS each year. Men are affected slightly more often than women. Although ALS may occur at any age, it is most common in middle-aged and older adults.
The cause of ALS is unknown. About 5% to 10% of people with ALS have an inherited form of the disease. ALS is not contagious.

There is no cure for ALS. In general, weakness progresses steadily with no periods of improvement or stability and eventually leads to death. Treatment focuses on helping the person cope with symptoms and avoid complications for as long as possible.