Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a type of motor neuron disease. It refers to a group of progressive, neurological diseases that cause dysfunction in the nerves that control muscle movement.
This leads to muscle weakness and changes in how the body works. In the later stages, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the nerves that control breathing, and this can be fatal.

ALS is the most common type of motor neuron disease (MND). It is sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, after the famous baseball player who had the condition. The 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge aimed to raise awareness and funds for research.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that between 14,500 and 15,000 people in the United States (U.S.) had ALS in 2016, with around 5,000 people receiving a diagnosis annually. Worldwide, it is thought to affect between 2 and 5 people in every 100,000.

Most people with ALS will live for 3 to 5 years after first experiencing symptoms, but around 10 percent of patients will live for another 10 years or longer.

There is no cure, but treatment can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Fast facts on ALS
Here are some key points about ALS. More detail is in the main article.

ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, a loss of motor function, paralysis, breathing problems, and, eventually, death.
Most people with ALS will live between 3 and 5 years after symptoms appear.
The exact cause is unknown, but environmental and genetic factors may be involved.
There is currently no cure, and treatment aims to relieve symptoms, provide social and emotional support, and possibly slow disease progression.

What is ALS?
Adaptive equipment can enable people with ALS to retain mobility.
Adaptive equipment can help people with ALS to stay mobile.
ALS is a kind of MND. It attacks the nerve cells that are used in voluntary muscle actions, known as motor neurons. These are actions that we can control, such as those in the arms, face, and legs.

Motor neurons are found in the brain and spinal cord. As ALS progresses, these cells degenerate and die. They stop sending messages to muscles. The brain can no longer control voluntary movement, and the muscles weaken and waste away.

As ALS progresses, it affects all the voluntary muscles. The person can no longer control their arms, face, and legs. In time, the inability to breathe unsupported can lead to respiratory failure.

Half of all people with ALS will live for 3 years or more after diagnosis, but some live for longer. Around 20 percent of people will live 5 years or more after diagnosis, 10 percent will live for 10 years or more, and 5 percent will live for 20 years.

Steven Hawking, the famous physicist, received a diagnosis of ALS aged 21 years. Now well over 70 years old, he remains a leader in the field of science.

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Causes and types of ALS
It is unclear exactly what causes ALS. There are different types, according to their signs and symptoms and whether or not there is a clear genetic association.

ALS can be sporadic or familial.

Sporadic ALS occurs randomly, and it accounts for 90 to 95 percent of cases. There is no clear risk factor or cause.

Familial ALS is inherited. Around 5 to 10 percent of cases are familial. The child of a person with ALS will have a 50 percent chance of developing the condition. Rarely, it can affect a person in their teens. Researchers are investigating which genes are involved.

Other possible causes of ALS include:

Disorganized immune response: The immune system may attack some of the body's cells, possibly killing nerve cells.
Chemical imbalance: People with ALS often have higher levels of glutamate, a chemical messenger in the brain, near the motor neurons. Glutamate in high quantities is known to be toxic to nerve cells.
Mishandling of proteins: If proteins are not processed correctly by nerve cells, abnormal proteins could potentially accumulate and cause the nerve cells to die.
Possible environmental factors
Environmental factors may also play a role.

One study has reported that military personnel deployed in the Gulf region during the 1991 war were more likely to develop ALS than military personnel deployed elsewhere.

Some possible links have been found between ALS and exposure to:

mechanical or electrical trauma
military service
high levels of exercise
high levels of agricultural chemicals
high levels of a variety of heavy metals
However, there is no conclusive evidence that specific lifestyle changes can decrease the risk.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge fuels novel gene discovery
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge fuels novel gene discovery
How did the Ice Bucket Challenge help people with ALS?
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Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ALS usually appear when a person is in their late 50s or early 60s, but it can happen at other ages.

Progression varies between individuals. In the early stages, signs and symptoms may be barely noticeable, but the weakness becomes more visible over time.

Common symptoms include:

difficulty carrying out daily activities, including walking
increased clumsiness
weakness in the feet, hands, legs, and ankles
cramping and twitching in the arms, shoulders, or tongue
difficulty maintaining good posture and holding the head up
uncontrolled outbursts of laughing or crying, known as emotional lability
cognitive changes
slurring of speech and difficulty with voice projection
pain
fatigue
problems with saliva, and mucus
difficulty breathing and swallowing, in the later stages
Progressive muscle weakness occurs in all cases of ALS, but this may not be the first indication of the condition.

Early symptoms often include clumsiness, abnormal limb fatigue, muscle cramps and twitches, and slurred speech. Symptoms will spread to all parts of the body as ALS progresses.

Some people may have problems with decision-making and memory, eventually leading to a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.

Emotional lability can cause fluctuations in mood and emotional response.

Treatment and prevention
There is no cure for ALS, so treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, prevent unnecessary complications, and slow the rate of disease progression.

ALS can cause a range of physical, mental, and social changes, so a team of specialists will often help patients manage their symptoms and care, improve their qualify of life, and prolong survival.

Riluzole (Rilutek) was approved for ALS treatment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995, and it appears to slow the progression of the disease. It may work by reducing the body's levels of glutamate, an excitotoxin that has been linked to neuronal damage.

In May 2017, Radicava (Edaravone) was approved to treat ALS. It may slow the decline in physical function by one third.

A number of research projects are looking at ways to use new and existing drugs to treat different aspects of ALS. Doctors can also prescribe medications to treat the different symptoms.


Therapy
Physical therapy can help people with ALS manage pain and address mobility issues.

A physical therapist can provide help and information with:

low-impact exercises to enhance cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being
mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs
devices to make life easier, such as ramps
Occupational therapy can help a patient maintain their independence for longer by:

helping patients choose adaptive equipment and assistive technologies to help them keep up their daily routines
train them in ways to compensate for hand and arm weaknesses
Breathing therapy may be needed in time, as the respiratory muscles get weaker.

Breathing devices can help the patient breathe better at night. Some patients may need mechanical ventilation. One end of a tube is connected to a respirator, while the other end is inserted into the windpipe through a surgically-created hole in the neck, or tracheostomy.

Speech therapy is useful when ALS begins to make it harder to talk. Speech therapists can help by teaching adaptive techniques. Other methods of communication include writing and computer-based communications equipment.

Nutritional support is important, as difficulty with swallowing can make it hard to get enough nutrients. Nutritionists can advise on preparing nutritious meals that are easier to swallow. Suction devices and feeding tubes may help.

Diagnosis
No single test can diagnose ALS, so diagnosis is based on symptoms and the results of tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Tests that may help diagnose ALS are:

electromyography (EMG), which detects electrical energy in muscles
nerve conduction study (NCS), which tests how well the nerves send signals
These tests can help rule out peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral nerve damage, and myopathy, or muscle disease.


An MRI scan can detect other problems that could be causing symptoms, such as a spinal cord tumor or a herniated disk in the neck.

Further tests to rule out other conditions may include blood and urine tests and a muscle biopsy.

Medical problems that can produce similar symptoms to ALS include HIV, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), the polio virus, and West Nile virus.

If there are symptoms in both the upper and lower motor neurons, ALS may be present.

Upper motor neuron symptoms include stiffness and resistance to movement in the muscles and brisk reflexes. Lower motor neuron symptoms include weakness, muscle atrophy, and twitching.


Tips for living with ALS
A number of tips may help people with ALS and their loved ones to adjust to their changing situation.

Keep in touch: Social contact is important. Stay in touch with friends and keep up with as many previous activities as possible. There may be a local or online support groups that can answer questions and offer insight through shared experiences.

Be practical: Have a bag ready with tissues, hand wipes, and easy-to-hold cutlery for going out. Register to get a disability placard for the car. Make adjustments at home, for example, a device to raise the toilet seat.

Plan ahead: It can be hard when a loved one finds they can no longer do something they could do before, but foreseeing possible restrictions can help you be prepared for when they come.

Research financial help: As the disease progresses, treatment can become expensive. Find out if you are entitled to help through Social Security Disability, Medicare, Medicaid and Veteran Affairs benefits.

Arrange relief for caregivers: Arrange for a friend, relative, or caregiver to come and stay for a weekend or to take the person with ALS out for the day. Caregivers should make sure they look after their own health, as well as that of their loved one.

What you can do will depend to some extent on your finances, but local support groups can help people cope with the financial and emotional challenges involved with ALS, through advice or practical help.

Thank you Google.

My fellow Nairalander ......I urgently need a London used husband.
I currently work with a marine,oil and gas company in Portharcourt.
I am 38 years old,tall,busty and fair in complexion.
No age restriction but a big NO to any thing above 55.
I have strong urge for S*X.
Dowry will be paid by me...so know fear.
Mail me at londonused@gmail.com.

Seun help broadcast please or you can mail me if interested.

Daddy Freeze....May your soul rest in Peace. The Bible can never lie. I remember the case of the little kids screaming Bald to prophet Elisha and he called down wolf to tear apart those kids that were playing with the prophet.
You have gone beyond your boundary and i am sure this is your last comments on planet earth if truly those comments were from you.
Waiting to see ur cute obituary soonest. [color=#006600][/color]

Daddy freeze wants to stay relevant at all cost. Can't you see that the Men of God are not responding to your daily trash. Your case na that of Saul to Damacus.

I go dye the lunch house for him mama you dey here dey do lavish birthday for your children. Your brain need reset.

May God have mercy on us.

MMM HAS MADE NIGERIANS SPENDED ALL THEIR MONEY. I ALSO SPENDED ALL MY MONEY ON CUCUMBER FARMING.

A VERY SENIOR EX-BOY IS GONE AGAIN. WHEN WILL ALL THIS STOP. REST WELL WITH THE LORD OGA OTOS.

ALL WE NEED IS LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOUR SELF.

SO FUNNY THAT ANY HANDSOME,BEARDED MAN IS TAGGED JESUS WHEN BIBLE STATED CLEARLY THAT JESUS WAS NOT HANDSOME.



READ ISAIAH 53:3

Parallel Verses
New International Version
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

New Living Translation
My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.

English Standard Version
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

New American Standard Bible
For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.

King James Bible
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn't have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him.

International Standard Version
For he grew up before him like a tender plant, and like a root out of a dry ground; he had no form and he had no majesty that we should look at him, and there is no attractiveness that we should desire him.

NET Bible
He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, no special appearance that we should want to follow him.

New Heart English Bible
For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form nor comeliness. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He grew up in his presence like a young tree, like a root out of dry ground. He had no form or majesty that would make us look at him. He had nothing in his appearance that would make us desire him.

JPS Tanakh 1917
For he shot up right forth as a sapling, And as a root out of a dry ground; He had no form nor comeliness, that we should look upon him, Nor beauty that we should delight in him.

New American Standard 1977
For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.

Jubilee Bible 2000
With all this he shall grow up before him as a tender sprout and as a root out of a dry ground. There is no outward appearance in him, nor beauty. We shall see him, yet nothing attractive about him that we should desire him.

King James 2000 Bible
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he has no stately form nor splendor; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

American King James Version
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

American Standard Version
For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he shall grow up as a tender plant before him, and as a root out of a thirsty ground: there is no beauty in him, nor comeliness: and we have seen him, and there was no sightliness, that we should be desirous of him:

Darby Bible Translation
For he shall grow up before him as a tender sapling, and as a root out of dry ground: he hath no form nor lordliness, and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

English Revised Version
For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

World English Bible
For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form nor comeliness. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Young's Literal Translation
Yea, he cometh up as a tender plant before Him, And as a root out of a dry land, He hath no form, nor honour, when we observe him, Nor appearance, when we desire him.
Commentary
Matthew Henry Commentary
53:1-3 No where in all the Old Testament is it so plainly and fully prophesied, that Christ ought to suffer, and then to enter into his glory, as in this chapter. But to this day few discern, or will acknowledge, that Divine power which goes with the word. The authentic and most important report of salvation for sinners, through the Son of God, is disregarded. The low condition he submitted to, and his appearance in the world, were not agreeable to the ideas the Jews had formed of the Messiah. It was expected that he should come in pomp; instead of that, he grew up as a plant, silently, and insensibly. He had nothing of the glory which one might have thought to meet with him. His whole life was not only humble as to outward condition, but also sorrowful. Being made sin for us, he underwent the sentence sin had exposed us to. Carnal hearts see nothing in the Lord Jesus to desire an interest in him. Alas! by how many is he still despised in his people, and rejected as to his doctrine and authority!
Isaiah 53:2

MFM WILL CERTAINLY WIN THE BATTLE. THE BATTLE IS OF THE LORD.

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE THAT WITCHES AND WIZARDS EXIST THEN YOU DON'T BELIEVE THAT GOD EXIST. THEY EXIST AND I PRAY THEY DON'T MANIFEST IN YOU LIFE SOMEDAY.

TEACHER-------WHICH STATE PRODUCES THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CUCUMBER?

EMMANUELLA-----------ANAMBRA STATE.

TEACHER----------WHAT ARE CUCUMBER USED FOR?

EMMANUELLA---------GOD ABEG OH......ASK AUNTY CHIDINMA NA.....

This cannot be a teenager's buttocks. I suspect blackmails.

We celebrate you papa. God bless you.

This is no news........what is Paris Agreement all about abeg?

IT JUST A FIGMENT OF YOUR PARTIAL IMAGINATION. NATURALLY YOU DON'T LIKE HER AND NOTHING ON EARTH CAN MAKE YOU SEE ANY GOOD IN HER. I WILL SINCERELY ADVISE THAT YOU BEGIN TO SEE THE GOOD SIDE OF HER AND LOVE HER AND THINGS WILL TURN AROUND FOR YOU. HATRED HINDERS A LOT OF BLESSINGS. STOP RUNNING TO PASTORS.....YOU CAN PRAY FOR YOURSELF.

I THINK IS JUST THE STATE OF YOUR MIND. YOU NATURAL DON'T LIKE HER. WORK ON YOUR MIND AND BEGIN TO LOVE HER AND THINGS WILL TURN AROUND FOR YOU. HATRED HINDERS A LOT OF BLESSINGS :