Pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a critical review

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease with unknown p athogenesis. It is a relatively common disorder of adults (2-4 per 100 000 incidence) and leads to death from respiratory failure. There is no cure at this time, and available treatment and management can at best extend survi val to a modest degree. Increasing our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease is essential to the development of more effective treatments. The level of research interest is very high, and yearly reviews of the lit erature are helpful in assessing progress. Curr Opin Neurol 12:581-588; (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.