US Medical Term · conditions
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
ELA (Esclerosis Lateral Amiotrófica)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) |
| Spanish (Español) | ELA (Esclerosis Lateral Amiotrófica) |
| Chinese (中文) | 肌萎縮性脊髓側索硬化症 |
| Korean (한국어) | 근위축성 측삭경화증(ALS) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bệnh xơ cứng teo cơ một bên |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) |
| Portuguese (Português) | ELA (Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคกล้ามเนื้ออ่อนแรง (ALS) |
| Japanese (日本語) | 筋萎縮性側索硬化症（ALS） |
What it means
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle movement. As motor neurons die, muscles weaken and waste away, eventually causing paralysis. Early symptoms include muscle twitching, cramping, slurred speech, and weakness in hands, feet, or legs. It affects breathing and swallowing as it progresses. Most people with ALS live 2 to 5 years after diagnosis, though some live much longer. While there is no cure, medications like riluzole and edaravone can modestly slow progression, and multidisciplinary supportive care helps maintain function and quality of life.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I was diagnosed with ALS and I am worried about losing my ability to speak and breathe.
Me diagnosticaron ELA y me preocupa perder la capacidad de hablar y respirar.
My father has ALS and needs help with swallowing and breathing support.
Mi padre tiene ELA y necesita ayuda con la deglución y soporte respiratorio.
I need a referral to a multidisciplinary ALS clinic for comprehensive care.
Necesito una referencia a una clínica multidisciplinaria de ELA para atención integral.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G12 Spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromesRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026