21. ALSTDF :: Home Dedicated to finding therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Contains descriptions of the disease and the foundation. http://www.als.net/

New patient? Get information here Recent News LOSS OF OUR FRIEND WILL HUBBEN Last night all of us in the ALS community lost a dear friend and a personal hero of mine. Will Hubben, a true leader in the ALS world, passed away peacefully with his wife Mary, family, and friends. Will Hubben was the creator and editor of the ALS Research Digest, a leader, and a friend to everyone working to cure ALS. HIS BROTHER'S KEEPER: A STORY ABOUT ALSTDF'S FOUNDER On March 19th, His Brother’s Keeper: A Story from the Edge of Medicine was released by Harper Collins publishing, featuring ALSTDF's Founder James Heywood and his brother Stephen. IN OUR LAB ALSTDF’s ALS Hope Drug Discovery Center is continuing its drug discovery operations at full speed after this past summer’s move into larger facilities. CLINICAL TRIAL ENROLLING The ALS Therapy Development Foundation and the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation, Inc. (LLHF) are pleased to announce the initiation of the Ritonavir and Hydroxyurea clinical study at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). ALS 101 Please come to one of our free educational and skill-building seminars. The goal of ALS 101 is to assist patients and their families in most effectively working with their physicians and with all other resources available to them in charting a course of treatment for their disease.

22. A Martin Dunitz Journal: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis And Other Motor Neuron Di amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases is a highquality quarterly journal which will cover all aspects of ALS and related disorders. http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/malsauth.asp

Contact Us Members of the Group All Products Books Journal Article eBooks Alphabetical Listing Journals by Subject Advertising Customer Services ... eBooks Instructions for Authors: ***Note to Authors: please make sure your contact address information is clearly visible on the outside of all packages you are sending to Editors. Editorial policy Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases is a high-quality quarterly journal which will cover all aspects of ALS and related disorders. It will include: In-depth reviews Original research Basic science Epidemiology Clinical trials Care issues Ethics and legal issues Health economics Case reports Point-counterpoint debate Correspondence Book reviews ALS centre reports Original reports and reviews can be up to 10,000 words in length. Black-and-white illustrations are welcomed (see below). Please contact the Editor to discuss the suitability of topics. Case reports and other short reports should be approximately 1500 words long, with no more than 15 references. Correspondence items should be no more than 1000 words in length, with 1 figure or table. Point-counterpoint items and book reviews will normally be commissioned by the Editor, but suggestions are welcomed.

23. ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease - 916.979.9265 A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, information and support services to ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) patients and their families. http://www.alssac.org

Click here for Non-Flash Introductory page SEARCH OUR SITE Enter keywords below and push "Search." Introduction l About ALS l Our Services l Calendar l Contact Us l Join Us l Donations l Useful Links The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association Greater Sacramento Chapter 2717 Cottage Way (Suite 8) Sacramento, CA 95825 Ph: (916) 979-9265 Fax: 916.979.9271 Email This site managed by: Outback Solutions More Information? Email the Designer

24. EMedicine - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis : Article By Kathleen Clem, MD amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of unknown cause characterized by slowly progressive degeneration of upper and http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic24.htm

(advertisement) Home Specialties Resource Centers CME ... Patient Education Articles Images CME Patient Education Advanced Search Consumer Health Link to this site Back to: eMedicine Specialties Emergency Medicine Neurology Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Last Updated: May 16, 2003 Rate this Article Email to a Colleague Synonyms and related keywords: ALS, Lou Gehrig disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, Charcot disease, Charcot's disease AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 11 Author Information Introduction Clinical Differentials ... Bibliography Author: Kathleen Clem, MD , Chief, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center Coauthor(s): Joel C Morgenlander, MD , Clinical Chief, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center Kathleen Clem, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians , and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Editor(s): Roy Alson, MD, PhD, FACEP, FAAEM

25. EMedicine - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis : Article By Fernando Dangond, MD amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disorder of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord and the motor http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic14.htm

(advertisement) Home Specialties Resource Centers CME ... Patient Education Articles Images CME Patient Education Advanced Search Consumer Health Link to this site Back to: eMedicine Specialties Neurology Neuromuscular Diseases Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Last Updated: March 3, 2004 Rate this Article Email to a Colleague Synonyms and related keywords: ALS, Lou Gehrig disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, Charcot disease, Charcot's disease, motor neuron disease AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 10 Author Information Introduction Clinical Differentials ... Bibliography Author: Fernando Dangond, MD , Associate Neurologist, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School Fernando Dangond, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology American Association for the Advancement of Science American Association of Immunologists , and American Medical Association Editor(s): Donald B Sanders, MD , Laboratory Director, Professor of Medicine (Neurology), Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center;

26. Focus On ALS Information and inspiration related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. http://www.focusonals.com/

Midi: "No Matter What" Home What Is ALS? Symptoms Diagnosis ... Search MEDLINEplus A myotrophic L ateral S clerosis Welcome to Focus on ALS which is a website created to provide information about the disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is also known as motor neuron disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's disease named after the famous baseball player who died in 1941. To learn more about ALS, you can start with the What is ALS? or FAQ pages. My name is Debbie Tope. I live in Baltimore, Ohio and have been living with ALS for 10 years. I was officially diagnosed in September of 1995 but I started showing symptoms in late 1993. If you would like to read a more detailed history of my life with ALS, you can read My Story I started Focus on ALS in 1996 and have continued to add to it until it now has over 700 pages. So it is my hope that I have all the information that you are looking for. I update my News Center pages as often as news is released pertaining to ALS. I subscribe to many sources for news so that Focus on ALS can be your one source for the latest ALS news. I update the entire website at least weekly so check back often. I have added a new Guestbook and Message Board to my site. I am hosting both myself which means that I will have more control over them. There will no longer be popup ads, there will be no ads to clutter the page, loading times should be quicker, and hopefully I can eliminate the trash postings. So feel free to sign the

27. Muscular Dystrophy Association| Diseases - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Also known as Lou Gehrig s Disease). http://www.mdausa.org/disease/als.cfm

document.write('<');document.write('! '); Search Our Site Enter Your Zip Code: Click on your state for local offices in California Florida or New York Genetics and Neuromuscular Diseases Skills for the Job of Living: OT for Adults Rehabilitation Management ... Accessing Medical Services Receive e-mail news, tips and updates from MDA or ask us a quick question. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) Quick Definition: Onset Symptoms Progression Inheritance Visit MDA's ALS Division Web site for more information. Disease-Specific Materials Facts About ALS Clinical Trials Are Focus of MDA ALS Conference ALS Meeting Continues With Nitty-Gritty of Clinical Trials as Focus ‘How the MDA Clinic Can Make a Difference’ ... Respiratory Care and "With Strength and Courage" Listing of MDA ALS Research and Clinical Centers in U.S.

28. Home Page Information about the organization as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ways to improve daily life with ALS, and an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause. http://als-curtisvancefoundation.org

Home The Board/Officers Donate Now Contact Us Links ... Memorial Orchard The Curtis R. Vance Foundation Donate Now The Curtis R. Vance Foundation is a nonprofit corporation, whose purposes include but are not limited to public education and funding of research for a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and providing assistance to the victims of the disease and their families. The Curtis R. Vance Foundation was created by Curtis Vance and his wife and caregiver, Heidi, in the winter of 1999. Diagnosed with familial ALS in December, 1998 at the age of 25, Curtis died in December 1999 as a result of respiratory failure. Throughout the time that Curtis lived with ALS, he remained positive that a cure would be found in his lifetime, and simultaneously lived each day as though it could be his last. He learned how to live while he prepared to die. His humor, love, and generosity flowed out of him and into every person who met him, both before and during his illness. Six months after the diagnosis, he questioned Heidi with a smile and a tear, "Why can’t you find the cure?" And, during one of his last days, he declared to her, "I pray that no one else in my family, or in the world, will ever feel the way I do now." Although mentally strong and emotionally healthy, Curtis was physically exhausted. He could no longer move his legs and arms, breathe on his own, or eat and drink without the aid of a feeding tube. His voice was soft and slurred, and since his facial muscles had recently deteriorated, a smile was almost an impossible task. But, one could still sense his spirit in his eyes, and it is his spirit that has pushed 25-year-old Heidi forward since the day Curtis left his riddled body. When her days of physically caring for Curtis came to a halt, she began dedicating the hours to their foundation, and hopes that someday she can fulfill her husband’s dreams.

29. Facts About ALS | MDA Publications Updated 10/03. Facts About amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Muscular Dystrophy Association. WHAT IS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? http://www.mdausa.org/publications/fa-als.html

Updated 10/03 Facts About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Muscular Dystrophy Association Introduction What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? What Happens to Someone With ALS? What Happens to the Nervous System in ALS? ... MDA Is Here to Help You Dear Friends : When I learned in 1994 that I had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, my world changed. I was in my early 50s, had a good career with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and was a husband and father. Suddenly, I faced a serious disease that would affect every aspect of my life. Glenn Harwood I decided my best weapon in this battle would be attitude. I've met every challenge ALS has presented with an approach that's unbeatable: I can do it, I will do it. With that conviction, I have a full and rewarding life with the help of a power wheelchair, a voice synthesizer and lots of e-mail. I've continued working, traveling and learning. I have wonderful allies in this fight: a fantastic family, including my wife, Fran, our two children and two beautiful grandchildren, who give me all the help I need and great joy and purpose. My faith in God never fails me, and helps me keep going with hope. I've also honed my sense of humor. I carry a page of jokes with me at all times and regularly e-mail friends across the country with "My Sunday Bulletin," a compendium of jokes I collect from my e-mail friends. My motto is "Can't Walk or Talk But Can Always Laugh."

30. ALS Links.com  Internet Portal For The ALS Community. A Internet portal for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis community. Includes the ALS Digest in web format for easy navigation with archives and search engine. http://www.alslinks.com

HOME WHAT IS ALS? SITE INFO MEMORIAL ... ALS DIGEST Last Digest Update: 05/16/04 Support ALS Research Tuesdays with ... Morrie An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Last Great Lesson. Also Available in: Audio or Video Morrie: In His Own Words "After you have wept and grieved for your physical losses, cherish the functions and the life you have left." Foundations North America International (Non-English) Other Relevant Associations Assistive Resources Adaptive Apparel Communication Devices Daily Living Aides Mobility ... Organizations General Estate Resources Govt. Agencies (U.S.) Independent ALS Sites ... PALS Pages HBO SPECIAL: Three Sisters: Searching for a Cure Internet Forums E-Zines Newsgroups Media Books Movies Publications Medical Support Alternative Medicine General Health Sites Medical News Sources Pharmaceutical ... Respiratory Support Groups ALSA Chapter Locator MDA Support Group Locator Newest Links Added Vitamins and Nutrition Center Extra Hands for ALS CPAP World Lenny's Place ... AllRefer.com

31. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Online Reference For Health Concerns amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, prevention, supplements, medication and research information. http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-008.shtml

var WebSiteBaseURL = "http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-008.shtml" translation by SYSTRAN MEMBERSHIP PRODUCTS MAGAZINE ... CHECKOUT Health Concerns Selector Select Health Concern Acetaminophen (tylenol) Poi... Acne Adrenal Disease Age-associated Mental Impai... Alcohol Induced Hangover: P... Allergies Alzheimer's Disease Amnesia Amyotrophic Lateral Scleros... Anemia-thrombocytopenia-leu... Anesthesia And Surgical Pre... Anxiety And Stress Arrhythmia (cardiac) Arthritis Asthma Atherosclerosis Attention Deficit Disorder ... Autism Autoimmune Diseases Avoiding Vitamin - A Toxicity Bacterial Infections Balding Bell's Palsy Bladder Conditions Breast Cancer Bursitis Cancer - Overview Cancer Adjuvant Treatment Cancer Chemotherapy Cancer Clinics Cancer Gene Therapy Cancer Prevention Cancer Radiation Therapy Cancer Supplements Cancer Surgery Cancer Treatment: The Criti... Cancer Vaccines Candida (fungal, Yeast) Inf... Cardiovascular Disease: Co... Cardiovascular Disease: Ove... Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Catabolic Wasting Cataract Cerebral Vascular Disease Cervical Dysplasia Cholesterol Reduction Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (cfs) Cirrhosis Colitis (ulcerative) Colorectal Cancer Common Cold Congestive Heart Failure An...

32. ALS And Associated Web Sites Links to sites about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis including chat rooms and message boards. http://www.geocities.com/sweekes99/ALStitle.html

ALS and Associated Web Sites Compiled By: Steve Weekes ( sweekes99@yahoo.com SITE INDEX: ALS INFORMATION WEB SITES ALS Association Chapter Websites ALS Related Societies ALS SOCIETIES AROUND THE WORLD (Over 40 Countries Represented) ALS CHAT ROOMS ALS FORUMS and DISCUSSION GROUPS CAREGIVER WEBSITES Travel Assistance Caregiver Chat Rooms, Forums and Discussion Groups PALS / CALS - PERSONAL WEBSITES International PALS / CALS Personal Web Sites Lyme and ALS Associated Diseases Advanced Therapies, Treatments and Research General Health Care and Information ASSISTIVE AIDS, DEVICES, and SOFTWARE General Assistance Sites Communication Assistance and Support Specific Assistance Sites Mind and Spirit Resources Diagnostic Laboratories PRODUCTS, SUPPLIERS, ETC... The intent of this site is to be one of the most complete sources of ALS Web Site Links on the Internet. Note: Due to the extensive content that each page contains, use your Web Browser’s “Edit, Find in this Page” function to search for key words, names, titles, or phrases.

33. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Family Village Library Library A B. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS Discuss A forum to discuss amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig s Disease). http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/lib_als.htm

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Who to Contact Where to Go to Chat with Others Learn More About It Web Sites ... Search Google for "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" Who to Contact A.L.S. Association 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150 Calabasas Hills, CA 91301 818-880-9007 (phone) 800-782-4747 (Information and Referral) E-mail: webmaster@alsa.org Web: http://www.alsa.org/ The ALS Association seeks to promote awareness and understanding of ALS and the work of The ALS Association by providing up-to-date information and education materials to the ALS community ALS patients and families, caregivers, researchers and members in the health care fields. The ALSA website is another component in the delivery of information specific to ALS. Our purpose is to provide accurate and timely information as well as a resource directory pointing to sources of information. Where to Go to Chat with Others ALS Informer This list was created to permit the exchange of information between persons with ALS, family members of PALS, caregivers, researchers, or anyone interested in finding out more about this horrible disease. The sharing of information is to create awareness, provoke thought, and stimulate research about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrigs disease. ALS Discuss A forum to discuss Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). If you have this disease or are a relative or friend of someone who does, this is a place to come to visit and share information.

34. Welcome To The Angel Fund Dedicated to increasing awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and based at Massachusetts General Hospital. http://www.theangelfund.org

Home About the Angel Fund About ALS Research at MGH ... Resources The Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Road Race to Cure ALS Download the race form here 4th annual Dinner and Silent Auction at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel The Angel Fund recently held its 4th annual Dinner and Silent Auction at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, an event that raised over $135,000 for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research at the Cecil B. Day Neuromuscular Research Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital. Among those who were instrumental in the success of the event and the three-day international research symposium that preceded the event were (from left) Richard P. Kennedy, President of the Angel Fund; Dr. Robert H. Brown, Jr., Director of the Cecil B. Day Neuromuscular Research Center at Mass General; Janice Nigro, Angel Fund Director and symposium coordinator; and Eugene Nigro, Founding Director of the Angel Fund. Words of Inspiration " With God nothing is impossible. Never give up!"

35. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Depression Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments Incl amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig s Disease ). What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Depression Home. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Index. http://www.medicinenet.com/Amyotrophic_Lateral_Sclerosis/article.htm

MedicineNet Home Depression Home > Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Advanced Search Printer-Friendly Format Add to Favorites Email to a Friend ... Next page Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or "Lou Gehrig's Disease") What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? What are the types of ALS? What are symptoms of ALS and how is it diagnosed? How is ALS treated? What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also called ALS or "Lou Gehrig's disease") is a classic motor neuron disease. Motor neuron diseases are progressive chronic diseases of the nerves that come from the spinal cord responsible for supplying electrical stimulation to the muscles. This stimulation is necessary for the movement of body parts. ALS is progressive and fatal. The usual causes of death of patients with motor neuron diseases are not directly related to the disease, but result from simultaneous additional illnesses which ultimately occur because of weakness of the body. These illnesses are often infections. ALS occurs most often in adults in the fifth through seventh decades of life. It progressively leads to death in 2 to 7 years. The cause is unknown.

36. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Overview. Ross MA. Toward earlier diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis revised criteria. rhCNTF ALS Study Group. http://neuroland.com/deg/als.htm

Neuroland Neurology information Click on the brain to index page Search NeuroLand Neuro disease Notes ... Neuro Med Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Overview Also known as: Motor neuron disease, Lou Gehrig's disease a number of overlapping syndromes such as pseudobulbar palsy, progressive bulbar palsy, progressive muscular atrophy and primary lateral sclerosis. Annual incidence is approximately 1/100,000 population Pockets of high incidence in Guam (ALS-Parkinson-dementia complex), the Kii peninsula of Japan, and western New Guinea. 95% of cases in the US are of the sporadic variety, but a few families have several members with the typical clinical picture of sporadic ALS arising in an autosomal dominant pattern. Onset of the disease can be as early as the third decade of life, most cases begin after age 40, and the incidence increases into the eighth decade. Etiology: unknown Male = Female Symptoms Slowly progressive muscle weakness involving the limbs, trunk, respiratory muscles, throat, and tongue. Onset is insidious, and initial symptoms may be confined to a single limb, especially the distal muscles.

37. ALS Center At MCP Hahnemann University The ALS Center of MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA, provides compassionate,complete, multidisciplinary, state of the art care and access to the newest, most promising clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS, muscular dystrophy MD and neuromuscular disease. http://www.mcphu.edu/medschool/depts/neurology/alsctr/alshome.htm

Home Search Contents Admissions ... Make a Gift Queen Lane Medical Campus 2900 Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129 Wed., Jun. 2, 2004 Technology Commercialization Henry Avenue MCP Campus 3300 Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129 Center City Hahnemann Campu s 245 N. 15th Street Philadelphia, PA 19102

38. Taylor & Francis Group - Publication amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Association of America www.alsa.org; Center for Neurologic Study www.cnsonline.org; http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/openurl.asp?genre=journal&issn=1466-0822

39. Index The personal story of Warren Lee Stickney, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also links for further reading. http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/4340

View Page 1 Guestbook PICTURESQUE PALS P eople with A myotrophic L ateral S clerosis Honoring PALS Everywhere My dad with some of his grandchildren,1998. My dear father, Warren Lee Stickney, lost his battle with ALS on January 16, 1999.  I wanted to do something to honor his memory and to celebrate his life, so I thought of dedicating a web page to him.  Then I deceided that there were far too many PALS in this world who have loved ones that would like to do the same, so this page is dedicated to all PALS everywhere.  If you have a story and/or pictures of a PALS you would like to honor please e-mail me at wlsals@yahoo.com ALS(also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) is a neurological disease affecting the nerves that supply all voluntary muscles.  It is one of the most devastating diseases there is.  There is no cure.  ALS affects the muscles of the arms, legs, face, tongue, speech, swallowing and breathing- eventually leading to paralysis. ALS does not affect thinking or intelligence. Feb. 1999 - This is my story of my dad, I will just write what I am thinking at the time so I may sound like I am rambling but please forgive me.  I just want people to know what kind of person the world has lost.  I have heard it said that PALS are the nicest people you could ever meet and this was true of my dad. A little about him.  Warren Lee Stickney was born in June 1932, he was the youngest of several children.  Grandpa (I started calling him Grandpa almost 20 years ago when my nephew Daniel was born) used to always tell us kids of his adventures as a child (and I am still lucky enough to have his older brother, Bert, come and visit and tell these tales to me and my kids). Grandpa grew up in Michigan and lived on the lake.  He spent his boyhood camping, fishing, swimming,etc.

40. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Challenge For Speech-Language Pathology amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A Challenge for SpeechLanguage Pathology By Pamela Mathy. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Seminars in Neurology, 18 (1), 27-39. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/als-amyotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis.ht

@import url( /styles/importmenuP.css ); Skip to: content navigation Our site's pages are optimized for Web browsing software that supports current Web standards, as established by the World Wide Web Consortium (http://www.w3c.org/) . Content is accessible from older or less standards-compliant technologies, but its presentation will not be identical to visitors with standards-compliant software. Read more on our site's changes and accessiblity. My Account Find a Professional Shop Logged in as: Guest Login Search for: ADVANCED SEARCH Home For the Public Speech Language and Swallowing ... Disorders and Diseases Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis A Challenge for Speech-Language Pathology By Pamela Mathy A myotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), first identified in 1869 by the French neurologist, Jean-Martin Charcot, is a relentlessly progressive degenerative motor neuron disease that primarily affects the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Lou Gehrig, with whom the disease is often associated, brought international attention to ALS in 1939, when it caused him to retire from baseball. More recently, a variety of public figures from actors (Michael Zaslow) to physicists (Stephen W. Hawking) to retired university professors interviewed on Nightline (Morrie Schwartz) to senators (Jacob Javits) have focused attention on this-devastating disease. Symptoms The early symptoms of ALS are varied. For some it begins with speech slurring, difficulties with swallowing, and/or hoarseness. Others may experience uncharacteristic clumsiness or tripping. Difficulty lifting may be the initial symptom for others. Clinically, the signs and symptoms are divided into two areas-spinal functions and bulbar functions. Three-quarters of people report initial spinal symptoms (weakness in the upper and/or lower extremities) and about one-quarter present with bulbar symptoms (weakness with changes in both speech and swallowing). Both upper and lower motor neurons characteristically become involved as the disease progresses.

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