The cause is unknown. The Mariana Island form is a rare form of ALS described in Chamorro indian patients from Guam. All forms of ALS cause progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Spontaneous tiny local areas of muscle twitching, called fasciculations, are characteristic in most patients. These may be sensed by the patient as muscle cramping.
Spastic muscles can be present.
Other muscles diseases are considered in the evaluation of patients. Treatment measures in patients with motor neuron diseases are largely supportive, treating the complications, such as infections and general health. The treatment of ALS is also directed toward suppressing the immune inflammation felt to play a role in the degeneration of the nervous system of these patients. The drug has been shown to have a modest effect in reducing the rate of disease progression in ALS patients. The Knoxville News-Sentinel strictly as a service to the general community.