Summary

amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis is a progressive motor_neuron_disease. It involves both upper_motor_neuron and lower_motor_neuron loss in brain and spinal cord. Typical features are muscle_weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, spasticity, and cramps. Dysarthria and dysphagia are common. Sensation is usually intact. Most cases are adult_onset and sporadic; a minority are familial. The main cause of death is respiratory_failure. Average survival_2_to_5_years. Diagnosis is clinical with EMG support. There is no_cure; approved drugs modestly slow decline and multidisciplinary support improves quality of life.