Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable and progressive motor neuron disease that attacks the nerve cells of muscles used to control our body, such as arms, legs, and face (Muscaritoli et al. 2012). Excessive glutamate, a chemical messenger, is released from the upper motor neurons to the lower motor neurons.
Too much glutamate can cause the muscles to gradually weaken and atrophy (NIHM, 2013). It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after a famous baseball player who was diagnosed with it in 1939. ALS occurs about 1-3 people in every 10,000 worldwide, with men more than women (Mayo Clinic, 2013).
A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. “A” means no or negative. “Myo” refers to muscle, and “Trophic” means nourishment–”No muscle nourishment.” When a muscle has no nourishment, it “atrophies” or wastes away. “Lateral” identifies the areas in a person’s spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located.
As this area degenerates it leads to scarring or hardening (“sclerosis”) in the region (Mayo Clinic, 2013)
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
Really interesting topic. Enjoyed reading your site.
This can be such a difficult disease to describe. Thank you for your easily understood explanation and graphic. As this involves nerves in the body, do patients affected by this disease feel much pain?
Hi Regina and Pati,
Thank you for taking the time to read my website. I read that some patients do feel pain. However, my home health patient, Mrs. M, does not feel pain as she continues to beat so many odds against this fatal disorder.
Great information Amy! I agree with Pati, you’ve managed to simplify a topic that is very complex in it’s nature. I’ve encountered a patient which suffered from ALS, unfortunately for her, she was in pain all the time, or so she said. Your case study, Mrs. M., is indeed a very lucky lady.