Word parts
What it means
A disease of the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cordSPY-nul KORDThe long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.Full entry , also called Lou Gehrig disease after the baseball player who had it. As the nerve cells die, muscles weaken and waste away, starting often in the hands, feet or speech and swallowing muscles. The mind and senses usually stay intact. Over time it affects swallowing and breathing; there is no cure, and treatment slows it and supports the person.
For the nurse
Watch swallowing to prevent aspirationas-puh-RAY-shunBreathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.Full entry , track breathing strength, and help plan early for feeding, communication devices and decisions about breathing support. Support the client and family with palliative carePAL-ee-uh-tiv KAIRCare that relieves pain, other symptoms and stress for people with serious illness, at any stage and alongside other treatment.Full entry .
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ALS |
|---|---|
| Spanish | esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) |
| Also written | ALS, Lou Gehrig disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease |
Related terms
spinal cord
The long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
neuron
A nerve cell: a cell that carries electrical and chemical signals through the nervous system.
palliative care
Care that relieves pain, other symptoms and stress for people with serious illness, at any stage and alongside other treatment.
my/o
A word root that means muscle.