For many, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) appears gradually before becoming apparent. Finding an underlying cause is not always possible for people living with ALS, but early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are important.
Welcome to insideALS
At insideALS.com, you will find resources about genetic ALS that have been developed by Biogen in consultation with ALS specialists and patient advocacy groups for people living with ALS and their caregivers.
ALS is a rare, progressive, and fatal disease, which has traditionally been divided into two main groups—familial (fALS) and sporadic (sALS)—but recent discoveries have shed light on the role genetics may play in both.
A combination of a person’s family history, a physical exam, nerve tests, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques may be used to make an ALS diagnosis.
After being diagnosed with ALS, you may consider whether your family is at risk. Genetic testing may help provide you and your family with more information about a possible genetic component to your ALS.
Join Daniel Barvin—whose family is affected by genetic ALS—on his journey of discovery. Daniel describes how, after starting from a point of uncertainty, he progressed to knowledge and a better understanding of the disease.
There are many complex words and phrases used when it comes to ALS. Here you will find a glossary of terms that are commonly used to describe genetic ALS.