Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Lou Gehrig's Disease Explained

What Is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Key Facts

• First Described: 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot.
• Named After: Baseball legend Lou Gehrig, diagnosed in 1939.
• Pathology: Motor neuron degeneration → muscle weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, spasticity.
• Progression: Leads to paralysis, respiratory failure; median survival 3–5 years post-diagnosis (variable).
• Types: Sporadic (90–95%) vs. familial (5–10%, genetic mutations like C9orf72, SOD1).

Management

No cure exists. Multidisciplinary care includes riluzole/edaravone (modest survival benefit), respiratory support, physical/occupational therapy, nutritional management, and palliative care.