Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons that drive voluntary movement. Those with ALS experience difficulty moving and speaking and, as the condition worsens, difficulty swallowing and breathing. Beyond this definition, however, what do individuals and families affected by ALS need to know? This book provides a profile of the condition, distilling and consolidating scientific knowledge into a concise, readable volume. A list of Top 10
essential questions begins the book, providing quick answers to readers' most pressing concerns. Each chapter explores a particular facet of the topic, covering causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, plus issues that are less commonly addressed but still critical to understand, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes and are accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations.