WEARING A MASK IS STILL REQUIRED IN PATIENT AREAS AT SUNNYBROOK. READ OUR VISITOR GUIDELINES »

A couple uses a laptop in their kitchen
Hospital  >  Care Programs  >  Schulich Heart Program  >  Patient and family education  >  Tests and treatments

Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures

ALS

Introduction

ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that is characterized by degeneration of a select group of nerve cells and pathways (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord. This loss of motor neurons leads to progressive paralysis of the voluntary muscles.