Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder (ND) that primarily comprises the neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. The unique neuropathologic findings include anterior horn cell degeneration producing muscle atrophy or amyotrophy, degeneration, and sclerosis of the corticospinal tracts. It is a common neuromuscular disease worldwide and has been identified in people of all races. There seems to be neither identified risk factors nor family history associated with most of the documented ALS cases. There exists no treatment for ALS that can prevent neither its progression nor reverse its development. However, there are treatments available that can help control symptoms, prevent unnecessary complications, and make living with the disease easier. This chapter extensively discusses this neurodegenerative disorder based on the currently available knowledge on the condition.