Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Description
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to the loss of motor neurons, which control voluntary muscle movement. As motor neurons die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. Symptoms start with muscle twitches, weakness in a limb, or speech and swallowing difficulties. The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but it involves genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure, and treatment focuses on symptom management, improving quality of life, and slowing progression through medications, physical therapy, and supportive care.