Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (pronunciation: /ˌæmioʊˈtrɒfɪk ˈlætərəl skləˈroʊsɪs/) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles such as those in the arms, legs, and face. The term "amyotrophic" comes from the Greek words "a" (no), "myo" (muscle), and "trophic" (nourishment), indicating a lack of muscle nourishment. This results in muscle wasting, known as "atrophy". "Lateral" refers to the areas in the spinal cord where the affected nerves are located, and "sclerosis" refers to the hardened or scarred nature of these areas.
Symptoms
The onset of ALS often involves muscle weakness or stiffness. As the disease progresses, it affects the ability to speak, eat, move, and even breathe. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, depending on which neurons are affected.
Causes
While the exact cause of ALS is unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some cases are associated with mutations in the SOD1 gene or other genes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ALS involves a clinical examination and a series of tests to rule out other diseases with similar features. There is no single test that can definitively diagnose ALS.
Treatment
While there is currently no cure for ALS, treatments can help manage symptoms, prevent unnecessary complications, and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments may include physical therapy, medication, and the use of assistive devices.
Epidemiology
ALS is a relatively rare condition, affecting approximately 2 in every 100,000 people worldwide each year. It is most commonly diagnosed in people aged between 55 and 75, and men are slightly more likely to develop the disease than women.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Wikipedia's article - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
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