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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) summary
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

pathology
Also known as: ALS, Lou Gehrig disease, motor neuron disease
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by the gradual loss of motor neurons—the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. As these neurons deteriorate and die, the brain can no longer effectively communicate with the muscles they innervate, leading to progressive muscle atrophy (wasting) and weakness and eventual paralysis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig disease, after the American baseball player diagnosed with the condition in 1939....

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