Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells and muscle control. Our specialists provide expert diagnosis, advanced care and compassionate support to help patients manage symptoms.
What you need to know about ALS
Our neurological specialists help patients diagnose and manage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive disease of the nerve cells in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.
What is ALS?
ALS affects motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles. As these nerve cells stop working and die, muscles gradually weaken, shrink, and lose function—eventually leading to paralysis.
What causes ALS?
According to the CDC, the cause of most ALS cases is unknown. Researchers continue to study possible links to genetics and environmental exposures, but no single cause has been identified.
About 5%–10% of cases are inherited, known as familial ALS. These cases are linked to changes in specific genes.