Early this year, there was a media report of a suspected cluster of ALS among Italian soccer players. This important scientific observation requires scientific study although, at this time, it is not clear exactly what the possible association between ALS and soccer playing may be. The Miami Herald and the National Italian American Foundation have announced and published story updates.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive wasting away of certain nerve cells of the brain and spinal column called motor neurons. The motor neurons control the voluntary muscles, which are the muscles that allow movement. ALS is a progressive, disabling, fatal disease. The course of the disease is different for everyone and some people live with ALS for many years.

A-myo-trophic" comes from the Greek language. "A" means no or negative. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment---"No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that nourish the muscles are located.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, first identified in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the 1990's have brought a wealth of new scientific understanding about the physiology of this disease.

Yes, we have women's soccer, we will be starting Intercollegiate play in Fall 2002 and we have a coach on campus, his name is Robert King. For more information please call (770)423-6615 or mail him at rking2@kennesaw.edu.

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition brought about by the degradation of the protective sheath around the nerves of the central nervous system (CNS). This protective sheath known as myelin is attacked by the body's immune system causing areas of damage called plaques or lesions in a process known as demyelination.

Standard lateral impact tests have not yet been developed for racing, but they are in the works. Computer simulations indicate that Isaac® will reduce head loads caused by lateral impacts by 50%. This makes sense. Isaac® should offer some lateral support because one shock will be in tension and the other in compression. Tether-based "head restraints" only work in tension — you can't push on a rope.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a.k.a Motor Neuron Disease-is a rapidly progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain which transmit signals from the brain to the voluntary muscles throughout the body. When motor neurons die as a result of ALS, the ability of the brain to control muscle movement is lost. When muscles fail to receive messages, they weaken, atrophy, and die. There is no known cure.

present there is no definitive means of diagnosis of ALS/MND. Most diagnoses are made by eliminating all other possibilities--ailments whose symptoms resemble those of ALS/MND. Neurologists use a number of clinical tests to establish a profile, including blood testing, EMG, MRI, etc;

Some of the pain ALS may cause are pressure sores, muscle aches or cramps, swelling feet, and muscle contractions.

There isn't a definitive answer to this. It is thought that there may be a genetic or hereditary element giving rise to a predisposition to the condition. It is also believed that diet and virus' may play a part. A less popular theory is that mercury poisoning could be a major contributor in some patients.

Usually with difficulty. The symptoms of MS can vary greatly especially in the early stages. It is very difficult for a GP, even one familiar with MS, to associate the early symptoms specifically with multiple sclerosis as these symptoms could have many other possible causes. Once MS is suspected you will be referred to a Neurologist who will conduct a number of tests designed to test reflexes and other sensory reactions.

There is NO known cure, although there are a number of treatments which may reduce the severity of the symptoms.

There is no straight-forward answer to this. Every multiple sclerosis sufferer will experience different symptoms to differing degrees. Common symptoms are impaired vision, loss of hearing, tiredness, loss of motor control in the arms and/or legs (spasticity) and muscle spasm or cramps and pains.