Abstract
Abstract: About 7,000 new cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are diagnosed in the US every year. This neurodegenerative disease is rapidly progressive and always fatal. Although treatment can help slow disease progression, it is not curative. This article includes the etiology and pathophysiology of, signs and symptoms of, diagnosis of, and treatment for ALS, and special critical care nursing considerations to help patients at end of life.