Definitions for "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis"
(ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). A "system" disease of slow onset involving destruction of both upper and lower motor neurons.
Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease and motor neuron disease. It is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease of the motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain that control the voluntary muscles throughout the body. As these motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to control muscle movement is lost. There is a progressive loss of motor functions. Speech and swallowing are often affected. Intellect is not affected. It can occur in either sex, usually first detected in middle to late adulthood. In most cases, the cause is unknown and at the present time, there is no treatment or cure.
A fatal, neuromuscular disease that causes rapid deterioration of minor cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to impairment of mobility, speech, and respiratory functions. It is more commonly known as Lou Gerhig's disease.