Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease or Motor Neuron Disease, is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Motor neurons run from the brain through the brainstem or spinal cord to muscles that control movement in the arms, legs, chest, throat, and mouth.

Generally, motor neuron disease is categorized in one of two ways: Upper motor neuron disease affects nerves in the brain, while lower motor neuron disease affects nerves coming from the spinal cord or brainstem.

Overview