A degenerative disorder affecting upper MOTOR NEURONS in the brain and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and SPINAL CORD. Disease onset is usually after the age of 50 and the process is usually fatal within 3 to 6 years. Clinical manifestations include progressive weakness, atrophy, FASCICULATION, hyperreflexia, DYSARTHRIA, dysphagia, and eventual paralysis of respiratory function. Pathologic features include the replacement of motor neurons with fibrous ASTROCYTES and atrophy of anterior SPINAL NERVE ROOTS and corticospinal tracts. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1089-94)
    

concept

A naked man with motor neuron disease, walking. Collotype after Eadweard Muybridge, 1887.

Stories of health and illness : May 4-June 4, 1988 : catalog for the exhibition / Eye Gallery, 1151 Mission Street, California 94103.

The voice in my head is perfect / Lindy Jones.

Molecular genetic medicine. Vol. 4 / edited by Theodore Friedmann.

Silent body vibrant mind : living with motor neurone disease / Peter Anderson.

Wheelchair down under / by Patrick and Anne Simpson.

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

We're running paid user research studies to improve Wellcome Collection online

Take part in research

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Images

Catalogue

Stories of health and illness : May 4-June 4, 1988 : catalog for the exhibition / Eye Gallery, 1151 Mission Street, California 94103.

The voice in my head is perfect / Lindy Jones.

Molecular genetic medicine. Vol. 4 / edited by Theodore Friedmann.

Silent body vibrant mind : living with motor neurone disease / Peter Anderson.

Wheelchair down under / by Patrick and Anne Simpson.