Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that destroys nerve cells and causes disability. Nerve cells gradually degrade and die. Muscle spasms, weakness in a limb, or slurred speech are how ALS typically begins. It ultimately affects the muscles needed to move, speak and breathe. The disease is progressive and there is currently no cure for ALS. It belongs to a larger group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are caused by the gradual deterioration and death of motor neurons. In ALS, both 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 of the first symptoms appearing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Most cases of ALS are considered sporadic, meaning that the disease appears to occur randomly with no clearly associated risk factors and no family history of the disease. Whereas approximately 5-10% of ALS cases are familial, meaning an individual inherits the disease from his parents. Signs and symptoms include: difficulty walking or carrying out daily activities; stumble and fall; weakness in the leg, foot or ankle; 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 later spreads to other parts of the body. The muscles will progressively weaken as the disease advances. ALS typically does not affect the senses, thinking ability, or bowel or bladder control. In some cases of ALS the disease is hereditary, while others remain without a known cause. Researchers are also looking at genetic mutation, chemical imbalances, disorganized immune responses and protein mishandling. There is also ongoing research into cellular defects, stem cells, family and sporadic ALS, biomarkers, and new treatment options. Various risk factors include heredity, age, sex and genetics. Environmental factors that can trigger or influence 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 mimics many other neurological diseases. Tests to rule out other conditions may include electromyogram (EMG), nerve conduction study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood and urine tests, spinal tap, or muscle biopsy. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay. Treatment for ALS can slow the progression of symptoms, prevent complications, and make a person more comfortable. Two drugs are currently approved for the treatment of ALS, Riluzole (Rilutek) and Edaravone (Radicava). A doctor may also prescribe medications to provide relief from symptoms including muscle cramps and spasms, spasticity, constipation, fatigue, excessive drooling, excessive phlegm, pain, depression, sleep problems, and uncontrolled bursts of laughter or crying. Some therapies that people with ALS can do include respiratory care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy,.