MOTOR NEURON DISEASES

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, is a motor neuron disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord. This leads to progressive paralysis of the limbs, the diaphragm and the muscles of chewing, speaking and swallowing. Because ALS only affects motor neurons, it generally does not impair intelligence, memory, or sensory function.

There is no primary treatment for this diseases although many symptomatic therapies are helpful.
There are two types of ALS: sporadic and familial. Sporadic ALS accounts for 90% of the cases. Familial ALS (FALS) accounts for the remaining 10% of cases. Familial ALS is identified when more than one member of the same family develops the disease.