Diseases

Als (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als), also known as lou gehrig's disease, is a progressive degeneration of nerve cells that control muscle movements. The disease, the most common motor neuron disease among adults, became known as lou gehrig's disease after the new york yankee's hall of fame first baseman.

SYMPTOMS

Muscle weakness, cramping, problems with coordination, stiff muscles, loss of muscle, muscle spasms, or overactive reflexes

CAUSES

Gene mutation. Various genetic mutations can lead to inherited als, which causes nearly the same symptoms as the noninherited form. Chemical Imbalance. People with als generally have higher than normal levels of glutamate, a chemical messenger in the brain, around the nerve cells in their spinal fluid.