Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a nervous system disease in which nerve cells break down and die. The cause is unknown.

Symptoms

It causes muscle weakness and impacts physical function.

Treatments

Medication and therapy can slow ALS and reduce discomfort, but there's no cure. ALS eventually leads to death.