ALS Syndrome
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological condition more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS attacks nerve cells in the body that are responsible for voluntary movement. Over time, this results in paralysis and eventual death.
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Symptoms
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Early symptoms will vary according to the part of the body affected by ALS, but commonly include muscle weakness, muscles that twitch, cramp or are stiff, slurred speech, chewing or swallowing problems and awkwardness or tripping.
The disease will progress to other parts of the body, causing increased muscle weakness, muscle atrophy and the eventual inability to move, eat or breathe.
Prevalence
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Each year in the world there are about one to three cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis reported per 100,000 people.
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Cause
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Scientists do not yet know the cause of ALS in the majority of cases. There is an inherited form of the disease which accounts for 5 to 10 percent of ALS cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prognosis
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ALS is terminal in three to five years after diagnosis in about half of the cases, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Around 10 percent of patients with ALS survive longer than 10 years, the institute reports.
Treatment
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There is no cure for ALS. Treatment centers on relieving symptoms and maintaining quality of life as much as possible. The drug Riluzole may prolong life for a short period of time.
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