Motor neurone disease (ALS)
Also called: ALS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, MND
A progressive disease in which the nerve cells controlling muscles die, leading to increasing weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Mostly unknown; about 10% familial (C9orf72, SOD1)
Risk factors
- Age 50–70
- Family history
- Male sex
Symptoms
- Weakness in a hand, arm or leg
- Muscle twitching and cramps
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Breathlessness
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Clinical examination
- Electromyography (EMG)
- MRI to exclude other causes
- Genetic testing
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Riluzole (modest survival benefit)
- Tofersen for SOD1-related ALS
- Symptom control for saliva, cramps, spasticity
Operations and procedures
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Feeding tube (gastrostomy)
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Multidisciplinary care
- Communication aids
- Advance care planning
Possible complications
- Respiratory failure
- Malnutrition
- Aspiration pneumonia
Prevention
- None known
Outlook
Median survival 2–4 years; about 10% live more than 10 years.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for progressive muscle weakness with twitching or slurred speech.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.