Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease that results in the death of nerve cells called motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons control voluntary muscles. Progression of ALS The early symptoms of ALS include muscle weakness…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded its approval of Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) as a  treatment for spasticity in adults from not just the upper limbs but to the lower limbs as well, according to its maker, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals. Spasticity can affect those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, cerebral…
Many people suffer from fasciculations or muscle twitching, and most of the time, it’s caused by drinking too much coffee, a lack of sleep or a trapped nerve. However, repeated episodes of fasciculations could be a sign of a neuromuscular disorder such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MORE: An overview…
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, in collaboration with the Lewin Group, has calculated the average cost of caring for three of the most common neuromuscular disorders. MORE:Â Most with chronic conditions find the Affordable Care Act beneficial The study looks at both medical and non-medical costs associated…
In this video from the ALS Association, discover some of the signs and symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The film explains that the symptoms often appear very slowly at first and can vary greatly from person to person. MORE: Do firefighters have an increased risk…
Last updated Dec. 1, 2022, by Teresa Carvalho, MS  Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD What is Rilutek for ALS? Rilutek (riluzole) is an oral treatment that works to delay the decline in respiratory function and extend survival in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The brand-name medication…
In this video, Dr. Simon Freilich gives an overview of the main type of motor neuron disease: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MORE: 16 fast facts about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Dr. Freilich explains that ALS accounts for around 85 percent of motor neuron disease cases. The…
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive tool that uses a magnetic field along with radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, or other body areas. Preliminary studies suggest that MRI may help identify signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) earlier, but larger…
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, or nerve cells controlling muscle movements. Symptoms of ALS can occur at any age but usually begin around ages 55 to 75 and progress gradually. Muscles in arms and…
Nurtec (formerly BHV-0223) is a new formulation of riluzole that is placed under the tongue and dissolves in the mouth. The therapy is being developed by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). How Nurtec works Riluzole is a glutamate-modulating agent. Its exact mechanism of…
