Name: ALS glossary: terms explained
Published: 2026-10-20

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): an animated, cited guide

This page needs JavaScript for its animations. The outline and key answers are below, and every claim in the full version carries a numbered citation.

Not medical advice. ALS Companion is an educational synthesis of published literature. It does not replace a clinician.

What is in it

What ALS is Who gets it, the numbers, and the ways it starts.
Upper and lower motor neurons Two neurons, two sets of signs, animated.
TDP-43 and what goes wrong A protein leaves the nucleus and clumps.
Genes: C9orf72, SOD1 and more Familial ALS, repeat expansions and genetic testing.
Diagnosis and criteria The Gold Coast, revised El Escorial and Awaji criteria, as a calculator.
The differential Conditions that can look like ALS, and how they differ.
ALSFRS-R and the course The 12-item scale, the progression rate and the stages.
Riluzole, edaravone and others What each drug targets and what the trials found.
Tofersen An antisense drug that lowers SOD1, for SOD1-ALS.
Breathing and NIV Weak breathing muscles, the tests, and when ventilation is offered.
Swallowing and feeding tubes Why weight matters and when a gastrostomy is discussed.
Living with ALS Communication, cognition, symptoms, planning and end of life.
Nursing care Assessment, giving the medicines, teaching and documentation.
Toward a cure Every route under study, with the evidence for each.
History and people From Charcot to tofersen.
Flashcards, quiz and glossary Revision for students.
Sources Every reference behind the guide.

Glossary