ALS affects motor neurons.
Motor neurons carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles used for voluntary movement.
What is ALS
A short explanation of ALS.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that damages the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement.
The essentials
What the disease changes.
Symptoms and progression vary.
ALS can begin in different parts of the body and progress at different rates. It can affect walking, speaking, swallowing, and breathing.
There is no single diagnostic test.
Clinicians evaluate symptoms and use testing to rule out other neurological conditions that can look like ALS.
A few useful facts
ALS is different for every person.
3-5 years
is the median survival reported by ALS TDI after the first signs of disease, although some people live much longer.
Up to 15%
of ALS cases may have a genetic origin, according to ALS TDI. Genetic ALS can occur with or without a known family history.
No cure yet
but approved treatments and multidisciplinary care can help manage symptoms and may slow progression for some people.
Learn more
Use specialist sources.
This page is a general overview, not medical advice. For current information on symptoms, care, and research, use the resources from ALS TDI and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.