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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig disease, involves progressive loss of motor neurons (a type of nerve cell controlling muscle movements) in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is a progressive, disabling, and ultimately fatal disease of unknown cause. Walking, speaking, swallowing, breathing, and other basic functions become impaired with time. About 30 000 Americans currently have ALS. The yearly incidence rate is 1 to 2 new cases per 100 000 individuals. The disease is commonly discovered during middle age and affects more men than women. The July 11, 2007, issue of JAMA includes an article discussing the diagnosis of ALS and recommendations for palliative (supportive) care.

SYMPTOMS

It is estimated that more than 50% of motor neurons are lost before symptoms such as muscle weakness become apparent.

• Gradual muscle weakness and wasting in arms and legs
  
• Muscle fasciculations (twitches visible in muscles)
  
• Difficulty with swallowing, . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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RELATED ARTICLE

Palliative Care for Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: "Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best"
Hiroshi Mitsumoto and Judith G. Rabkin
JAMA. 2007;298(2):207-216.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT