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Neurology
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that damages motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells control voluntary movements such as walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing.
Updated: August 2026 | Topic: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Early evaluation and multidisciplinary supportive care are important parts of ALS management.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive motor neuron disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement. As motor neurons degenerate, muscles gradually become weak and may waste away, affecting movement, speech, swallowing and breathing.
ALS damages motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons control voluntary muscle movements such as walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing.
As motor neurons degenerate, muscles can gradually weaken and waste away. Over time, some people may lose the ability to move, communicate, eat or breathe independently.
ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
ALS often begins subtly. Early symptoms can vary depending on which motor neurons are affected first. Symptoms may gradually become more noticeable as the condition progresses.
Weakness in the hands, arms or legs can make everyday activities more difficult.
Muscle twitching, also called fasciculations, can occur as an early symptom.
Frequent tripping, difficulty walking or changes in balance may occur.
ALS may affect the muscles involved in speaking, causing speech to become less clear.
Swallowing problems can develop when the muscles involved in eating and swallowing are affected.
Muscle cramps and stiffness are among the early symptoms described in the source.
As motor neuron damage progresses, weakness may become more severe and can affect mobility, communication and breathing.
The source states that ALS primarily affects voluntary muscles and does not usually impact vision, hearing or bladder control.
The exact cause of ALS is not fully understood. The source describes a combination of genetic factors and possible environmental influences.
Around 5–10% of ALS cases are described in the source as inherited. Genetic mutations involving genes such as SOD1, C9orf72 and TARDBP can increase the risk of developing ALS.
The source lists exposure to heavy metals, industrial toxins, smoking, head trauma and military service exposure among possible environmental factors.
There is no single test that confirms ALS. Diagnosis involves a detailed neurological examination together with tests that assess nerve and muscle function and help rule out other conditions.
Checks muscle strength, reflexes and other neurological findings.
Electromyography measures electrical activity in muscles.
NCS evaluates the transmission of nerve signals.
MRI and blood tests can help rule out other disorders, including structural problems.
The source emphasizes early consultation with a neurologist for accurate diagnosis.
Although ALS has no cure according to the source, treatment focuses on slowing disease progression, managing symptoms and supporting quality of life.
Depending on the needs of the person with ALS, the source lists procedures such as gastrostomy feeding-tube placement and tracheostomy for breathing assistance.
ALS can affect movement, communication, swallowing and breathing. Supportive therapies can address different needs as the condition progresses.
Helps support mobility and physical function.
Supports adaptation to everyday activities and tasks.
Helps address communication difficulties.
Supports breathing-related needs as disease progresses.
ALS can progressively affect mobility, communication, swallowing and breathing. Ongoing neurological care and supportive therapies can help address changing needs.
Care planning may involve neurologists and rehabilitation, speech, occupational and respiratory therapy professionals, depending on the individual's symptoms and needs.
ALS management is not limited to medication. Rehabilitation and supportive care can help address the functional challenges caused by progressive motor weakness.
Early signs described in the source include muscle twitching, muscle cramps, weakness in the hands or feet, slurred speech and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Yes. The source states that approximately 5–10% of ALS cases are inherited, often due to genetic mutations. Most cases occur without a family history.
ALS is diagnosed through a combination of neurological examination, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, MRI and blood or urine tests that help assess nerve and muscle function and rule out other disorders.
The source describes Riluzole and Edaravone, along with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy and selected supportive procedures such as gastrostomy and tracheostomy.
The source states that there is currently no cure for ALS. Research is ongoing, while available treatments focus on slowing progression, managing symptoms and supporting quality of life.
The source states that electromyography measures electrical activity in muscles and is one of the diagnostic procedures used when evaluating suspected ALS.
ALS can affect the voluntary muscles involved in speaking and swallowing. The source lists slurred speech and difficulty swallowing among its symptoms.
Supportive therapies listed in the source include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and respiratory therapy.
Persistent weakness, muscle twitching, speech changes or swallowing difficulty should be medically evaluated. A neurological assessment can help determine the possible cause and appropriate next steps.
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