Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Motor Neuron Disease)

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder affecting primarily motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord, which accounts for approximately 10% of adult-onset motor neuron disorders (Strong, 2003). For the majority of patients, ALS is relentlessly progressive, with the median survival from symptom onset ranging on average from 3 to 5 years (Strong, 2004). In approximately 20% of patients, longer term survival may occur.