We are pleased to help the more than 3000 people in Canada who are affected by the disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neuromuscular disease that attacks specialized nerve cells called motor neurons which control the movements of voluntary muscles. Worldwide, the annual incidence of ALS is estimated to be 2.5 new cases per 100,000 people. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Maladie de Charcot, or Motor Neuron Disease. Generally, patients survive three to five years after diagnosis.
Death usually occurs due to respiratory failure.
Limb onset ALS occurs when there is damage to motor neurons in the spinal cord that run to limb muscles. The muscles used for everyday activities are affected first. In bulbar onset ALS, damage occurs to the motor neurons of the bulbar region of the brain, which weakens the muscles responsible for vital bodily functions, such as breathing, swallowing, and talking. Any question regarding a medical diagnosis, treatment, referral, drug availability or pricing should be directed to either a licensed physician or to the product's manufacturer.