Symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms lose their strength and the ability to move their arms, legs, and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, individuals lose the ability to breathe without ventilator support.
In most cases, ALS does not impair a person's mind, memory, or senses. However, a small percentage of patients may experience problems with memory or decision-making, and there is growing evidence that some patients may develop a form of
dementia.
(Click ALS Symptoms for more information on symptoms associated with the disease, including early symptoms of ALS.)
Cause of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is not known, and scientists do not know why ALS strikes some people and not others.
ALS research scientists are investigating a number of possible causes of ALS, including:
- Genetics
- Glutamate
- Autoimmune responses
- Environment.
(Click Causes of ALS for more information about these possible ALS causes.)
Diagnosing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Although there is no single test that can provide a definitive ALS diagnosis, the presence of upper and lower motor neuron signs in a single limb is strongly suggestive. However, an ALS diagnosis is primarily based on the signs and symptoms and on a series of tests to rule out other diseases.
(Click ALS Diagnosis for more information on how ALS is diagnosed.)
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