Understanding ALS

Motor Neuron Diseases and ALS

What is ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neuromuscular disease that causes damage to the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement, also known as motor neurons. It belongs to a group of diseases, known as motor neuron diseases, which affect the motor system.

To understand ALS and the spectrum of motor neuron diseases, we will review the motor system, what the signs and symptoms of motor system damage are, and the different motor system diseases. This will set the stage for an in-depth discussion of ALS, including the clinical picture, possible causes, and treatment.