Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that destroys nerve cells and causes disability. Nerve cells gradually break down and die. Muscle twitching, limb weakness or slurred speech are common causes of ALS. It eventually affects the muscles needed for movement, speech and breathing. The disease is progressive and there is currently no cure for ALS. It belongs to a larger group of disorders called motor neuron diseases, which are caused by progressive deterioration and death of motor neurons. In ALS, the upper and lower motor neurons degenerate or die and stop sending messages to the muscles. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years after the first symptoms appear. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get the original essay The majority of cases of ALS are considered sporadic, meaning the disease appears to occur randomly, without risk factors clearly associated or family history of the disease. While about 5 to 10 percent of ALS cases are familial, meaning an individual inherits the disease from their parents. Signs and symptoms include: difficulty walking or performing daily activities; tripping and falling; weakness in the leg, feet or ankles; weakness or clumsiness of the hands; slurred speech or difficulty swallowing; muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders and tongue; difficulty holding your head up or maintaining good posture. ALS most often starts in the hands, feet, or limbs and then spreads to other parts of the body. The muscles gradually weaken as the disease progresses. ALS usually does not affect the senses, thinking ability, or bowel or bladder control. In some cases of ALS, the disease is hereditary, while in other cases the cause remains unknown. Researchers also study genetic mutations, chemical imbalances, disorganized immune responses and protein mishandling. Research is also underway on cellular defects, stem cells, familial or sporadic ALS, biomarkers and new treatment options. Various risk factors include heredity, age, gender and genetics. Environmental factors that may trigger or affect ALS risk include smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, and military service. Complications that people with ALS may experience include breathing problems, speech problems, eating problems, and dementia. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose early because it resembles many other neurological diseases. Tests to rule out other conditions may include an electromyogram (EMG), nerve conduction study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood and urine tests, lumbar puncture, or muscle biopsy . Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a Custom EssayTreatment for ALS can slow the progression of symptoms, prevent complications, and make a person feel more comfortable. Two drugs are currently approved for the treatment of ALS, Riluzole (Rilutek) and Edaravone (Radicava). A doctor may also prescribe medications to relieve..