Lou Gehrigs Disease

Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for voluntary muscle movement. In 10% of cases it is caused by a genetic defect. Much more frequently, the cause of the nerve deterioration is unknown. This disease affects about 1 out of every 100,000 people, usually after the age of 50. Because the nerve cells can no longer send messages to muscles, ALS causes the muscles to weaken, twitch and eventually stop moving. However, mental capabilities are not affected, nor are sight, smell, taste, hearing or touch. As symptoms progress, speech problems, difficulty swallowing, paralysis and breathing difficulties can occur.

Contact us if you have questions about ALS or would like to learn more about our treatment program.