Conditions listing Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our database lists the following as having Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a symptom of that condition:
Causes: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
ALS occurs when specific nerve cells in
the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary movement gradually
degenerate. The loss of these motor neurons causes the muscles under their
control to weaken and waste away, leading to paralysis.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Information Page: NINDS)
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
ALS affects about 1 of 100,000 people. The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but about 10% of cases have a genetic component. In these patients, it’s an autosomal dominant trait and affects men and women equally.
Other than a family member affected with the hereditary form, there are no known risk factors.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Generalized
❑ Steroid myopathy
❑ Diabetic amyotrophy
❑ Polymyalgia rheumatica
❑ Polymyositis
❑ Myasthenia gravis
❑ Guillain-Barré syndrome
❑ Hyperthyroidism
❑ Muscular dystrophy
❑ Eaton-Lambert syndrome
❑ Metabolic myopathy
Paraparesis
❑ Trauma
❑ Multiple sclerosis
❑ Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
❑ Guillain-Barré syndrome
❑ Epidural abscess
❑ Subacute combined degeneration
❑ Syringomyelia
❑ Aortic dissection
❑ Hysterical
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
The disease is progressive, with death resulting from respiratory paralysis (the median survival is 3 to 5 years), and it’s three times more common in men than in women. The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but 5% to 10% of ALS cases have a genetic component. In these cases, it’s an autosomal dominant trait that affects men and women equally.
ALS and other motor neuron diseases may result from:
Precipitating factors for acute deterioration include trauma, viral infections, and physical exhaustion.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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