What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Definition
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disorder. It gradually destroys the nerves responsible for muscle movement. Over time, ALS leads to total paralysis of muscle movement, including respiration.
Prognosis is poor in most cases because of the progressive nature of the condition due to eventual respiratory failure. After diagnosis is made, life span ranges from 2-5 years. The five year survival rate is 25% and up to 10% of patients will survive more than 10 years. In general, the younger the age of onset, the slower the disease progresses.
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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