A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. Early stages Muscles Muscles may be weak and soft, or they may be stiff, tight, and spastic. It is not uncommon for patients to become wheelchair-bound as the condition worsens. It weakens the muscles and affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a disease that affects parts of the nervous system that control voluntary muscle movements (the muscles that people move at will, like those of the arms and legs). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) is a disease of the nervous system. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment – "No muscle nourishment." Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal type of motor neuron disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurological disorder that causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive motor neuron disease which leads to problems with muscle control and movement. It is often referred to as Lou Gehrig disease. You might need an integrated team of doctors trained in many areas and other health care professionals to … Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a type of motor neuron disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes the muscles to weaken, which can restrict the patient’s mobility considerably. When symptoms begin in the arms or legs, it is referred to as “limb onset” ALS/MND. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neuron disease, is a progressive, degenerative disease that destroys the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. Other individuals first notice changes in voice and speech, spasms in muscles of the jaw, face, voice box, throat and tongue, and inappropriate excessive laughing and crying, all of which suggest “bulbar onset” ALS… The brain loses the ability to control movement. The rate of progression between individuals is variable and the history generally reflects gradual and progressive worsening over time until death occurs. There are various types of ALS that are distinguished by symptoms and, in some cases, genetic cause. It refers to a group of progressive, neurological diseases that cause dysfunction in the nerves that control muscle movement. It's often called Lou Gehrig's disease, after a famous baseball player who died from the disease. There are treatments for ALS, but there is no cure. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. Muscle cramping and twitching (fasciculation) occurs, as does loss of muscle bulk (atrophy). Early symptoms may include muscle twitching, cramping, stiffness, or weakness, slurred speech, and/or … As it progresses, motor neurons deteriorate. ALS is a relentlessly progressive disorder. "A" means no. Exercise may help to slow the process but the muscles will continue to deteriorate over time. Treatments can't reverse the damage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but they can slow the progression of symptoms, prevent complications, and make you more comfortable and independent.