ALS Hi Diza re your edit on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis I just wanted to let you know that this is a discussion that s been had before The logic in calling it fatal is that for the vast vast majority of patients it is unfortunately a rapidly progressive disease Although about 5 or so survive past 10 years most do not I would certainly agree that primary lateral sclerosis or even progressive muscular atrophy could be considered chronic rather than fatal although the latter is also life limiting As a counter example I would say Parkinson s disease is chronic rather than fatal even though statistically people with the disease do live for a shorter time than those who do not have it Interested in your view