LATERAL SCLEROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lateral sclerosis is a medical condition characterized by the degeneration and hardening of the lateral column of the spinal cord. It is a form of sclerosis that primarily affects the upper motor neurons, leading to various motor function impairments.
In this condition, the nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles, known as upper motor neurons, gradually deteriorate. This results in the disruption of normal communication between the brain and the muscles, leading to muscle weakness, stiffness, and spasticity. Lateral sclerosis specifically affects the lateral column, which is responsible for carrying signals related to voluntary movements.
The symptoms of lateral sclerosis typically include difficulty in walking, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, and muscle weakness. These symptoms may spread to other muscles over time, leading to issues with balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. In some cases, individuals may also experience speech difficulties, known as dysarthria.
Lateral sclerosis is a progressive condition, meaning that it worsens over time. It is categorized as a rare neurodegenerative disorder, and there are currently no known cures for the disease. However, there are treatments and therapies available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
Lateral sclerosis is often referred to as primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) when it primarily affects the upper motor neurons, or as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) when it also involves the degeneration of lower motor neurons. ALS is the more severe form of the disease, often progressing rapidly and leading to widespread muscle weakness and eventual paralysis.
Common Misspellings for LATERAL SCLEROSIS
- kateral sclerosis
- pateral sclerosis
- oateral sclerosis
- lzteral sclerosis
- lsteral sclerosis
- lwteral sclerosis
- lqteral sclerosis
- lareral sclerosis
- laferal sclerosis
- lageral sclerosis
- layeral sclerosis
- la6eral sclerosis
- la5eral sclerosis
- latwral sclerosis
- latsral sclerosis
- latdral sclerosis
- latrral sclerosis
- lat4ral sclerosis
- lat3ral sclerosis
- lateeal sclerosis
Etymology of LATERAL SCLEROSIS
The word "lateral sclerosis" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The term "sclerosis" comes from the Greek word "sklerōsis" (σκλήρωσις), which means "hardening". It is a condition in which there is abnormal hardening or stiffening of tissues or organs.
The word "lateral" comes from the Latin word "lateralis", which means "of or pertaining to the side". In medicine, it is often used to refer to structures or conditions that affect the sides of the body or the side of an anatomical structure.
When combined, "lateral sclerosis" refers to a condition characterized by the hardening or sclerosis of the lateral aspects of the spinal cord, which is associated with the degeneration of motor neurons. This term is commonly used to describe Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
