Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, rapidly progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The etiology of ALS is unknown, however it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and agingrelated dysfunction. The clinical presentation of ALS varies depending on which motor neurons are affected. ALS commonly presents with localized weakness that progresses to muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and death.
