Category Archives for Understanding ALS
Genetic Testing for ALS
The vast majority of ALS cases (about 90%) are thought to be sporadic, meaning that the disease is not inherited. In about 10% of cases, however, there appears to be a familial component. If someone
Continue readingPrimary Lateral Sclerosis vs ALS – What is the Difference?
Primary lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that shares many characteristics with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but there are also significant differences between the two. Neurodegenerative
Continue readingFamous People Who Have or Have Had ALS
ALS is a debilitating disease that currently has no cure. Several well-known people have been diagnosed with it over the years, including renowned scientist Stephen Hawking and San Francisco 49ers player
Continue readingEarly Symptoms Associated with ALS
The initial symptoms of ALS can vary from individual to individual but often include muscle weakness, twitches, muscle cramps and slurred speech. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating
Continue readingHow is Speech Affected by ALS?
For anyone who has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), there are many challenges that need to be faced as the disease progresses. This is a neurodegenerative disease that damages
Continue readingPseudobulbar Affect and ALS
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) is seen in a number of patients diagnosed with ALS and is thought to be the result of nerve degeneration in the limbic region of the brain. Medication can be used to help improve
Continue readingALS and Pain: Important Things to Know
When we talk about pain and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the connection between the two is a little complicated. Much of the attention is put on the emotional pain that comes with the disease and
Continue readingALS vs Parkinson’s Disease – How Do These Conditions Differ?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), share some common traits. ALS and Parkinson’s are both progressive conditions,
Continue readingA Look at the Different Classification Types of ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that damages motor neurons. These vital structures in the human body carry information between the brain and the rest of the body. They are also involved
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