ALS vs. MS: Understanding Key Differences in Symptoms & Causes

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are very different diseases yet are often confused because they both contain "sclerosis" in their names. Both illnesses are neurological, but MS attacks the myelin while ALS affects the motor nerve cells.

• Illness

Features

• The body's immune system attacks the myelin sheaths covering the nerves in MS. With ALS, the nerve cells in the brain and spine are affected and neurons die so the messages they carry to the brain cannot be sent.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of MS include numbness, ataxia, blurred vision, difficulty walking, bladder and bowel problems, pain and fatigue. ALS causes speech problems, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, muscle weakness, paralysis and muscle spasms.

Treatment

• Treatment Options

  MS is treated by one of five injectable treatments: Betaseron, Tsybri, Avonex, Rebif and Copaxone. Riluzole is used to treat ALS and may prolong life; other medications are used to treat various symptoms.

Significance

• ALS affects roughly 30,000 Americans. About 400,000 Americans have MS.

Considerations

• There is no cure for ALS or MS. Both illnesses may worsen over time. People with MS live a full life expectancy while those with ALS normally live five to 20 years after diagnosis.

Warning

• People with MS or ALS should always consult a doctor if any worsening symptoms occur.