What is ALS condition?

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells, called motor neurons, control voluntary muscles used for actions like walking, speaking, and breathing. In ALS, motor neurons gradually degenerate and die, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and, eventually, difficulty breathing. The condition is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the American baseball player who was diagnosed with it in 1939.

Symptoms usually begin with mild muscle twitches, slurred speech, or weakness in the arms or legs. Over time, it progresses to complete loss of voluntary muscle control, while mental function often remains intact.

The exact cause is still unclear, though genetics and environmental factors may play roles. There is no cure, but treatments like riluzole and edaravone, along with physical therapy and breathing support, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Global awareness of ALS increased through the 2014 “Ice Bucket Challenge,” which raised significant funds for research and patient care.