Lou Gehrig's Disease

Lou Gehrig's disease is the common name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Lou Gehrig was a famous baseball player who died from ALS.

ALS is a degenerative disease of the nerve cells of the spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. The result is muscle withering (atrophy) and weakness. This leads to loss of muscle control in the limbs and other parts of the body. The disabled muscles that are linked to decayed nerves eventually waste away.

The cause of ALS is unknown. It is a rare disease, affecting about 5000 Americans each year. It is more common in men and in families with a history of ALS. There is no cure for ALS. Those affected usually die within 3 to 5 years, but some have survived 10 years or more.

The onset of ALS is gradual. The first sign is usually weakness in one limb, often a hand. Weakness later spreads to the forearms and legs, and twitching or cramps may occur. There are no unusual changes in feeling or sensations. There is often an event, such as an unexplained fall, that alerts the person to the fact that something is wrong. However, the event has nothing to do with causing ALS.

Paralysis usually occurs as the disease progresses. The disease does not usually affect mental abilities. Swallowing may become difficult. The person may tend to inhale food or saliva. Death usually results from lung infections.

During the early stages, treatment focuses on quality of life. An enjoyable life is quite possible with the emotional support of family and friends. Depending on the patient's condition, braces, walkers or a wheelchair may help. The home may need changes to accommodate lost mobility. There are drugs that help control drooling and spastic movement. Physical therapy may slow the loss of muscle tone. A feeding tube may be needed if swallowing problems become severe. In extreme cases, doctors insert a tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall for feeding. In the end stages of ALS, treatment should be used to keep the patient as comfortable as possible.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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