A. myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease that affects nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. This guide was created to provide important information for patients who have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), their families and loved ones. These motor neurons send commands from the brain to muscles throughout the body, allowing Missing: image This offers people living with ALS a way to help advance our understanding of the disease. FigureImages of safe swallowing with liquids being routed down the food pipe with good airway protection (2A and 2C)What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)? What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)? Voluntary muscles produce movements like chewing, walking, breathing and talking The diagnosis of ALS requires the absence of (diagnosis by exclusion): Sensory signs Sphincter disturbances Visual disturbances Autonomic features Basal ganglion dysfunction Alzheimer-type dementia ALS mimic syndromes (Table 3) The diagnosis of ALS is supported by: Fasciculations in one or more regions Neurogenic changes in EMG results The present review will provide an overview of key advances in the understanding of ALS pathophysiology and diagnosis, focusing on the importance of cortical hyperexcitability and its relationship to advances in genetic and molecular processes implicated in ALS pathogenesis Introduction. In people with ALS, these motor neurons stop working, cutting off this line of communication These motor neurons send commands from the brain to muscles throughout the body, allowing us to produce movements like walking, chewing, talking, and even breathing. How Clinicians Can Help the Registry: As a clinician, you can talk to people living with ALS; multiple sclerosis (MS) and respiratory diseases. A. myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease that affects nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord that Introduction. The contents of this packet offer an overview of important aspects of living with ALS, including finding support, financial options, and leaving a legacy ALS begins in the brain and spinal cord by affecting nerve cells called motor neurons. This guide was created to provide important information for patients who have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), their families and loved onesMissing: image ALS begins in the brain and spinal cord by affecting nerve cells called motor neurons.