Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Most Common And Lethal Form Of Motor Neuron Disease-a Case Report From Middle East

Abstract

A neurodegenerative disorder which is fatal, rapidly progressive and has no effective treatment till date is amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis. Almost 90% of all cases occur in the sporadic form, with the rest occurring in the familial form. It is a
devastating disease leading to death within 3-5 years in most cases. The diagnosis of AML is difficult to made in spite of
acknowledgment for 140 years. It is diagnosed by clinical presentation which is a combination of upper and lower motor
neuron signs and electro diagnostic studies which gives information about diffuse motor axonal injury. This neurodegenerative
disorder results in degeneration of corticospinal tracts and anterior horn cells and involving motor neurons of the cerebral
cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. There are a variable signs and symptoms of this disease, so the diagnosis is very important
for the management and better outcome of the patients. Cause of death in these patients is usually respiratory failure.