Lou Gehrig's Disease: A Terminal Enigma
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Mysterious Affliction
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a debilitating and life-threatening condition that affects motor neurons. The disease is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, eventually leading to paralysis.
The Lou Gehrig Connection
Lou Gehrig, a renowned baseball player, was diagnosed with ALS in 1939. His high-profile case brought widespread attention to the disease and led to its moniker, Lou Gehrig's disease. Despite its association with the famous athlete, the exact cause of ALS remains elusive.
Origins and Nomenclature
ALS was first identified in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. The disease's name derives from its distinctive symptoms: amyotrophic (muscle wasting), lateral (affecting the sides of the spinal cord), and sclerosis (hardening of the nervous tissue).
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