Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig Disease (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Overview
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Causes
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Causes
We do not know exactly what causes ALS. Although about 10% of cases of ALS are hereditary (run in families), the other 90% are not. A mutation of a gene called SOD1 has been identified in some of the hereditary cases, but we do not know what role the mutation plays in the disease.
Using an evidence-based approach, smoking was found to be more likely than not a risk factor for ALS based on two excellent studies by Kamel et al. and Nelson et al. Smoking has a broad public health impact, no redeeming features, and is a modifiable risk factor. Evidence also supported the conclusion that the following were probably not risk factors for ALS: trauma, physical activity, residence in rural areas, and alcohol consumption.
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Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis »
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of unknown cause characterized by slowly progressive degeneration of upper motor neurons (UMNs) and lower motor neurons (LMNs).
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