Lou Gehrig's Disease

Overview

Lou Gehrig's disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), causes the nerve cells in certain regions of your brain and spinal cord to gradually die. Eventually, people who have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) lose the ability to move their limbs and the muscles needed to move, eat, speak and breathe.

Doctors don't know what causes Lou Gehrig's disease, and the disease can't be cured. Although doctors can't reverse the progression of Lou Gehrig's disease, advances in treatment mean that many who have the disease live longer than they did in the past. Each year about 5,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with ALS, and about 20,000 Americans have the disease.

Lou Gehrig's disease first gained widespread public attention in the United States in 1939. Doctors at Mayo Clinic diagnosed baseball player Lou Gehrig's condition.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

At Mayo Clinic, doctors who have training in neuromuscular conditions (neurologists) and several other specialists work closely as a team to care for people who have this condition. Doctors offer treatment and continuing care that can address your medical needs and improve your quality of life. Mayo Clinic offers you and your family many resources for support, information and education.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about Lou Gehrig's disease at MayoClinic.com.