ALS vs. Other Neuromuscular Diseases
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disorder characterized by the death of motor neurons. As the motor neurons die, the body's ability to control voluntary muscle movement is lost. As a result, the affected individual gradually loses the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe.
While ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease, there are several other neuromuscular disorders that are similar, but not the same as ALS. These diseases include:
Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. It is caused by the failure of the nerve cells to communicate properly with the muscle cells, resulting in the inability of the muscles to respond properly to stimulation.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder characterized by the destruction of myelin, the protective coating of the nerves. As the myelin is destroyed, the communication between the brain and the body is disrupted, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including muscle weakness and loss of coordination.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD): MD is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. The most common type of MD is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): SMA is a rare, genetic disorder that results in the degeneration of the motor neurons in the spinal cord. As the motor neurons die, the body gradually loses the ability to control voluntary muscle movement.
Each of these diseases is similar to ALS in that they are all progressive, neuromuscular disorders that result in the loss of muscle control. However, they are all distinct conditions, with their own unique set of symptoms and treatments.