Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Neurological Disorders Conditions and Diseases
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Neurological Disorders Conditions and Diseases
Motor neuron disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive disease that attacks motor neurons, components of the nervous system that connect the brain with the skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles are the muscles involved with voluntary movement, like walking and talking. When your brain sends a signal telling a part of your body to move, the motor neurons transmit the command to the skeletal muscles. The muscles respond by contracting.
In ALS, the motor neurons deteriorate and eventually die, and though a person's brain is fully functioning and alert, the command to move never reaches the muscle. The patient may want to reach for a glass of water, for example, but is not able to do it because the lines of communication from the brain to the arm and hand muscles have been destroyed. The muscles eventually waste away from disuse, and a person in the late stages of Lou Gehrig's disease is completely paralyzed. Currently, there is no cure for ALS, although drug therapy can slow progression of the disease.
Top: Health: Conditions and Diseases: Neurological Disorders: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
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ALS Association - Information about this non-profit health organization that is dedicated solely to the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrigs Disease.
MDA - Muscular Dystrophy Association - the largest contributor to ALS research and support.
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Focus on ALS - Information and inspiration related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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The Curtis R. Vance Foundation - 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.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - ALS is one of the most common progressive disorders of the motor system. Find an introduction including symptoms, diagnosis, cause and therapies.
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eMedicine Health - Dementia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig Disease) - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, of ALS and dementia.
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Doctor's Guide to ALS - The latest medical news and information for patients or friends/parents of patients diagnosed with ALS and ALS-related disorders.
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Nursing Tips for People Living with ALS - information on dealing with some of the medical complications faced by ALS patients.
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International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations - the peak body for national organisations who support people living with ALS/MND.
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ALS and Associated Web Sites - Links to sites about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis including chat rooms and message boards.
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Build-UK - A motor neurone disease network for the UK. Includes forum and chat.
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General Practice Notebook - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Clinically-oriented information.
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The Angel Fund - Dedicated to increasing awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and based at Massachusetts General Hospital.
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ALS Forums - An online support group, moderated by people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, intended for individuals affected by ALS/MND.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Information Page - ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease information sheet compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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ALS-MND 60 Minutes Film - The 60 minutes film, is dedicated to the memory of the late Rachel Zeevi, who was the creator's mother who past away in July 2001. Find details about the film, which is in Hebrew with English subtitles.
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