Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - also referred to as Lou Gherig's Disease

• amyotrophic (muscle wasting) sclerosis (hardening) of the lateral corticospinal tracts (responsible for sending signals from the motor cortex of the brain to the spinal cord to control motor movements)
• The age of onset is usually 20-40
• some cases genetic (about 10%)
  

Symptoms:

• characteristic flaccid paralysis

Treatment:

No specific treatment