Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS)

Overview

Mayo Clinic has extensive experience in treating Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art, coordinated treatment that can enhance a patient's quality of life and may help the patient live longer. Mayo Clinic is at the forefront internationally in research for new treatment options for ALS. For families, Mayo Clinic is a resource for support, information and education.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ALS is not based on one test, but rather on a series of tests to rule out other conditions or causes, in combination with the patient's symptoms and the signs the physician observes. Read more about Lou Gehrig's disease diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Because ALS cannot be cured, medical treatment tries to slow its progress, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatments include medication, rehabilitation and mental health care. Read more about Lou Gehrig's disease treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Lou Gehrig's Disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causes degeneration of the nerve cells in certain regions of the brain and spinal cord that control the voluntary muscles. Eventually, people who has ALS lose the ability to move their limbs and the muscles needed to breathe.

The causes of the disease remain elusive. Although the progression of ALS cannot be reversed, advances in treatment have meant that many who have the disease are living longer. Each year about 5,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with ALS, and about 20,000 Americans have the disease.

ALS first gained widespread public attention in the United States in 1939, when it ended the career of Hall of Fame baseball player Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees. Mr. Gehrig's disease was diagnosed at Mayo Clinic.

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