Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) free essay sample

Degeneration of nervous system. Symptoms, theories on cause, research, types. The initial symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are typically observed in the distal portions of the body such as the hands and feet. The symptoms then slowly spread to the more proximal portions of the body including the trunk and neck. When the disease has begun to spread to these areas, the bulbar functions of speaking, swallowing and breathing begin to be affected. These body functions are named as such because they are controlled by the motor neurons found in the bulb-like portion of the brain stem.