Most theories center on a complex interaction between genes and factors in the environment. Researchers continue to study possible causes of ALS. As a result, the muscles can't function.įor about 10% of people with ALS, a genetic cause can be identified. When motor neurons are damaged, they stop sending messages to the muscles. They're referred to as lower motor neurons.ĪLS causes both groups of motor neurons to gradually deteriorate and then die. The second group extends from the spinal cord to muscles throughout the body. They're referred to as upper motor neurons. The first group extends from the brain to the spinal cord to muscles throughout the body. These nerve cells are called motor neurons. It also usually doesn't affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch and hear.ĪLS affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements such as walking and talking. ALS doesn't usually affect bladder control. Pain also is not common in the later stages. There's generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. This eventually affects chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing. Muscles get weaker as more nerve cells die. Then it spreads to other parts of the body.
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