General Medical Information

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Frank E. Lucente
Samir Shah
Roger Kula

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a degenerative disease of the upper and lower motor neurons of the central nervous system. The disease is characterized by progressive muscular weakness and atrophy along with spasticity. The otolaryngologic manifestations are dysphagia, fasciculation, atrophy of the tongue, dysarthria, and pseudobulbar palsy. Deep tendon reflexes are hyperactive. This disease usually occurs among middle-aged and older persons, mainly men.