Stephen Hawking was a renowned genius for his battle with ALS. His success and visibility made the wheelchair-bound physicist a symbol for living productively with a debilitating disease.
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Although there is no known cure for ALS, the drug riluzole has been approved for treatment and may slow the progression of the disease. Drugs such as baclofen or diazepam may help control spasticity.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a rare progressive neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.
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The diagnosis of ALS is based on the signs and symptoms of upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, as well as tests to rule out other conditions. Initial signs may include muscle twitching, cramping, and weakness in the hands, feet, or limbs.
The risk of developing ALS increases with age and is higher for men than women. ALS can affect any part of the body, but it often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.


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