What Is ALS?

Known commonly as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a degenerative disease that affects nerve cells across the body. Robin Miller, MD, lists common types of ALS, potential triggers and ways to test for the disease.

Transcript

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The full name of ALS describes it well. [MUSIC PLAYING] ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,

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is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease after the famous Yankee baseball player was diagnosed with it. ALS causes nerve cells to gradually break down and die.

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It is progressive and is ultimately fatal. [MUSIC PLAYING] Generally there's no blood test or imaging

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study that can diagnose ALS. However, 10% of ALS is genetic. If a parent has ALS in this form of the disease,

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their child has a 50% likelihood of developing it. This form generally presents at an early age. This type of ALS can be detected by genetic testing

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from a blood test or cheek swab. The non-hereditary form occurs between the ages of 40 and 60.

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It is generally more common in men than women by 20%. However, as people age, the incidence evens out between men and women.

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Non-genetic ALS is diagnosed by the patient's history and physical exam along with EMG and nerve conduction studies.

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[MUSIC PLAYING] There is no way to prevent ALS.

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However, there are certain things that may trigger the disease. These include smoking; environmental toxin exposure,

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such as solvents and radiation; and serving in the military. The reason for this may have to do with toxins, lead, stress,

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and pesticides that those in the military are exposed to. [MUSIC PLAYING]