Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis classification
Template:Amyotropihic lateral sclerosis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Classification
ALS is classified into three general groups, familial ALS, sporadic ALS and Guamanian ALS.
- "Familial ALS" accounts for approximately 5%-10% of all ALS cases and is caused by genetic factors. Of these approximately 10% are linked to a mutation in Superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a copper/zinc dependant dismutase that is responsible for scavenging free radicals.
- Most of the remaining 90-95% of cases are classified as "sporadic ALS" and have no known hereditary component.
- A third type, called "Guamanian ALS", represents a small cluster of cases concentrated on the Pacific island of Guam.