Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Rare and Terminal Nervous System Disease

Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's disease in the United States, is a rare but terminal neurological disorder that affects motor neurons, which control voluntary muscle movement. ALS leads to a progressive degeneration of these neurons, resulting in muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis.

Limb-Onset ALS

Around 70% of people with ALS experience limb-onset ALS, where symptoms first appear in the arms or legs. This may include weakness, clumsiness, and difficulty with fine motor skills. Over time, these symptoms can spread to other parts of the body, eventually affecting speech, swallowing, and breathing.