Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Primary lateral sclerosis(PLS) andamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) are rare neurodegenerative diseases that progressively affect voluntary muscle movement over time.However, there are important differences between the two conditions.
PLS affects only the upper motor neurons, occurs more gradually, and is debilitating but not fatal. ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons, occurs more rapidly, leads to muscle wasting, and has a more devastating effect than PLS.
This article will explain more about the differences between PLS and ALS, their symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment.
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Many symptoms of PLS and ALS are very similar and can be confused with the other in earlier stages of the disease process. This is because both diseases lead to the degeneration and death of neurons, which are responsible for transmitting information to and from the brain.
Symptoms of PLS
Symptoms of PLS take several years to progress, while symptoms of ALS come on more rapidly. In addition, those diagnosed with PLS usually go on to live a normal life span, and those diagnosed with ALS typically have a life expectancy of three to five years.
PLS is more common in men than women, and the onset of the disease is typically between ages 40 and 60. PLS progresses gradually over several years or even decades.
Common symptoms of PLS include:
Symptoms of ALS
ALS symptoms typically don’t develop until age 50 or later; however, symptoms can start earlier. People with ALS experience a loss of coordination and muscle strength that progressively worsens, eventually affecting more muscle groups.
Symptoms of ALS also eventually get to a point in which routine functions such as swallowing, walking, or standing become impossible.
Other common symptoms of ALS include:
People with ALS retain cognition; however, in rare cases, people may developdementia, leading to memory loss.
In most cases, the exact causes of PLS and ALS are unknown and appear to occur randomly.
PLS Causes
ALS Causes
Research suggests that genetics and environment play a role in the development of ALS.More than a dozen genetic mutations are associated with some cases of ALS, including the SOD1 gene.
Environmental factors that may play a role in the development of ALS include:
Diagnostic tests for PLS and ALS may include:
Because ALS symptoms develop and worsen so much more quickly than PLS, a diagnosis is easier to make within the first year or two.
PLS Treatment
Treatment for PLS is typically symptomatic and may include the following:
ALS Treatment
Because symptom onset progresses more rapidly and is more debilitating additional supportive health care is essential with various providers, including:
A multidisciplinary team approach can help provide an individualized treatment plan to help people stay as mobile, comfortable, and independent as possible.
Medications to help manage ALS symptoms may include:
Healthcare providers may also prescribe medications to help with the following:
Additional devices that may help people with ALS include:
As ALS progresses, the muscles that help with breathing weaken, and people may need additional breathing support, including:
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Unfortunately, there is no clear way to prevent PLS or ALS.However, you may want to consider talking with a genetic counselor if you have a family history of motor neuron diseases.
Summary
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two rare neurodegenerative diseases that progressively affect voluntary muscle movement over time. Although the diseases are similar, they have different symptoms and require different treatments.
Symptoms of PLS take several years to progress, while symptoms of ALS come on more rapidly. In addition, those diagnosed with PLS usually go on to live normal lifespans, and those diagnosed with ALS typically have a life expectancy of three to five years.
A Word From Verywell
Talk to your healthcare provider about your diagnosis and treatment plan if you or a loved one is diagnosed with PLS or ALS. It is essential to see your provider regularly to see if symptoms worsen over time and to ensure you have a correct diagnosis. Neuromotor diseases are difficult to live with but know that there are many treatments and medical experts who can help you manage symptoms.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sparrow.Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).ALS Therapy Institute.ALS and PLS: two similar neurodegenerative diseases with important differences.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Primary lateral sclerosis.Medline Plus.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).de Boer EMJ, de Vries BS, Pennings M, et al.Genetic characterization of primary lateral sclerosis.J Neurol. 2023. doi:10.1007/s00415-023-11746-7National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Primary lateral sclerosis.National Institution of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.National Institution for Rare Disorders.Primary Lateral Sclerosis.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sparrow.Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).ALS Therapy Institute.ALS and PLS: two similar neurodegenerative diseases with important differences.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Primary lateral sclerosis.Medline Plus.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).de Boer EMJ, de Vries BS, Pennings M, et al.Genetic characterization of primary lateral sclerosis.J Neurol. 2023. doi:10.1007/s00415-023-11746-7National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Primary lateral sclerosis.National Institution of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.National Institution for Rare Disorders.Primary Lateral Sclerosis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sparrow.Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).ALS Therapy Institute.ALS and PLS: two similar neurodegenerative diseases with important differences.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Primary lateral sclerosis.Medline Plus.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).de Boer EMJ, de Vries BS, Pennings M, et al.Genetic characterization of primary lateral sclerosis.J Neurol. 2023. doi:10.1007/s00415-023-11746-7National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Primary lateral sclerosis.National Institution of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.National Institution for Rare Disorders.Primary Lateral Sclerosis.
Sparrow.Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).
ALS Therapy Institute.ALS and PLS: two similar neurodegenerative diseases with important differences.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Primary lateral sclerosis.
Medline Plus.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
de Boer EMJ, de Vries BS, Pennings M, et al.Genetic characterization of primary lateral sclerosis.J Neurol. 2023. doi:10.1007/s00415-023-11746-7
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Primary lateral sclerosis.
National Institution of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
National Institution for Rare Disorders.Primary Lateral Sclerosis.
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