What Is Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is named after the famous baseball player who developed the condition. It is a degenerative neurological disease that destroys cells in the spinal cord and brain, affecting muscles and the ability to move, say the experts at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). Though the majority of cases of ALS have an unknown cause, around 10 percent are a result of a genetic defect.
Symptoms
Most people don't show signs of ALS until age 50 or later, according the NLM. Symptoms start as a weakness in the muscles and loss of muscle coordination that slowly deteriorates and gets worse. Eventually, symptoms progress to the point where a person is unable to walk, stand up and sit down, and even swallow. Difficulty breathing and swallowing food can be initial warning signs, with the muscle weakness spreading to the rest of the body. Problems with speech and cramping in the muscles may also occur, say the experts at the NLM.
Diagnosis
Once symptoms have been spotted, it's time to get a diagnosis. ALS can be diagnosed with a number of tests, including blood tests and imaging scans of the brain to spot any other possible causes. Breathing may be tested, as well as the nerves in the body and the muscles involved in swallowing. Genetic testing may be performed to look for a family history of ALS. Additional testing, such as a spinal tap and biopsy of the muscles, may be performed to spot any abnormalities with the muscles or nervous system that could be causing the symptoms, report the experts at the Mayo Clinic.
