Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCopingFAQs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
FAQs
SporadicALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)is a type of neurodegenerative disease that develops in a person without risk factors or a family history of ALS. Most ALS cases are sporadic.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for those who develop this disease.
ProfessionalStudioImages / Getty Images
Sporadic ALS Symptoms
Early symptoms include:
ALS is progressive, meaning it worsens over time. Some later signs of the disease include:
Symptom Progression of Sporadic ALS
Eventually, people with sporadic ALS lose their ability to:
What Are the Stages of ALS?
Medical researchers are still trying to determine the cause of sporadic ALS. They have, however, found specific gene mutations and environmental factors that may play a role in its development.
Genetics
There are severalgenesassociated with the onset of sporadic ALS. In 7% to 10% of cases, the C9orf72 gene is behind the disease. That specific gene provides the information needed for the body to create a protein found in motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
The C9orf72 gene goes through amutationknown as ahexanucleotiderepeat expansion. That change is what drives the onset of the disease. Other genes associated with the onset of sporadic ALS include:
The changes to these genes influence proteins known as RNA-binding proteins. RNA-binding proteins are heavily involved in the onset of ALS. The genetic involvement in sporadic ALS is not inherited (passed down through families).
How Many Genes Are Associated With ALS?Over 20 genes are related to the development of ALS. Researchers believe that as they continue to search for a cause, more will be uncovered.
How Many Genes Are Associated With ALS?
Over 20 genes are related to the development of ALS. Researchers believe that as they continue to search for a cause, more will be uncovered.
Environment
Because no single test candiagnose sporadic ALS, people with the disease must undergo thorough medical testing with their healthcare provider. A complete medical history is also needed.
Symptom history and observation are the primary tools used to diagnose the disease. Some possible tests used to determine if someone has sporadic ALS include:
How Long Does It Take to Get Diagnosed With Sporadic ALS?Typically, people who develop sporadic ALS will have to undergo a thorough diagnostic process. Because of that, it can take anywhere from nine to 12 months to be diagnosed with the disease.
How Long Does It Take to Get Diagnosed With Sporadic ALS?
Typically, people who develop sporadic ALS will have to undergo a thorough diagnostic process. Because of that, it can take anywhere from nine to 12 months to be diagnosed with the disease.
There is no cure for ALS.Treatmentfocuses on relieving symptoms and making people with the disease more comfortable. There are various therapy options available to encourage the best possible quality of life for people with sporadic ALS, such as:
How Long Does Treatment Last?People with sporadic ALS will have to treat the disease for the rest of their lives.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
People with sporadic ALS will have to treat the disease for the rest of their lives.
Experimental ALS Drug Slows Disease Progression in Preliminary Study
Sporadic ALS is fatal. Once a person gets diagnosed with the disease, they will have to undergo treatment until treatment no longer works.
After a person develops sporadic ALS, they will most likely die within 30 months. Only 20% of people with the disease will live five to 10 years after their symptoms begin.
Because sporadic ALS is a fatal disease, people diagnosed with it must learn how to cope with their symptoms to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible. One coping mechanism involves putting palliative care measures in place.
Palliative carepromotes symptom management in a way that allows people with the disease to live normally or as normally as they can as the disease progresses. Palliative care revolves around the same treatment options mentioned above.
The ALS Association offerssupport groupsfor people with the disease. Support groups can help with coping because they provide tools to use and the option to connect with others living through the same experience.
Coping With Sporadic ALSHearing that you have a fatal disease is devastating. Here are some ways you can cope with the life-changing news:Give yourself time to grieve.Learn as much about the disease as possible.Try to stay positive as new treatments and research are developing ways to extend lives as well as improve quality of life for people with sporadic ALS.
Coping With Sporadic ALS
Hearing that you have a fatal disease is devastating. Here are some ways you can cope with the life-changing news:Give yourself time to grieve.Learn as much about the disease as possible.Try to stay positive as new treatments and research are developing ways to extend lives as well as improve quality of life for people with sporadic ALS.
Hearing that you have a fatal disease is devastating. Here are some ways you can cope with the life-changing news:
Summary
Sporadic ALS, which seems to occur at random, presents the same as typical ALS. Most cases are considered sporadic. People with sporadic ALS may have genetic changes that play a role in its development, but they are not inherited from family members. Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, may play a role in sporadic ALS. Still, more research is needed to determine precisely how and what in the environment can cause someone to develop the disease.
Sporadic ALS is a fatal disease. Joining a support group and giving yourself time to adjust to the news, changes, and road ahead is the best way to cope with the disease so your quality of life can remain as good as possible.
A Word From Verywell
It can be hard to imagine what a person with a fatal condition like sporadic ALS must contend with. It can be debilitating mentally and physically. While there is little you can do about your diagnosis, getting treatment can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ALS.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSporadic ALS presents with the same symptoms, prognosis, and consequences as typical, familial ALS. However, sporadic ALS differs from ALS in that it is not an inherited disease. It appears to develop at random.Learn MoreFamilial ALS: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, etc.All ALS is fatal. However, the length of time people live after the diagnosis depends. Some people can live as long as five to 10 years. However, the average is 2.5 years.Learn MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Coping, SupportPeople with sporadic ALS develop many symptoms that eventually hinder their ability to move, eat, or breathe independently. Because of that, they will eventually need constant care. It’s important for people with ALS to have a strong support system and a caregiver.Learn MoreCaring for Someone with ALS
Frequently Asked Questions
Sporadic ALS presents with the same symptoms, prognosis, and consequences as typical, familial ALS. However, sporadic ALS differs from ALS in that it is not an inherited disease. It appears to develop at random.Learn MoreFamilial ALS: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, etc.
Sporadic ALS presents with the same symptoms, prognosis, and consequences as typical, familial ALS. However, sporadic ALS differs from ALS in that it is not an inherited disease. It appears to develop at random.
Learn MoreFamilial ALS: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, etc.
All ALS is fatal. However, the length of time people live after the diagnosis depends. Some people can live as long as five to 10 years. However, the average is 2.5 years.Learn MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Coping, Support
All ALS is fatal. However, the length of time people live after the diagnosis depends. Some people can live as long as five to 10 years. However, the average is 2.5 years.
Learn MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Coping, Support
People with sporadic ALS develop many symptoms that eventually hinder their ability to move, eat, or breathe independently. Because of that, they will eventually need constant care. It’s important for people with ALS to have a strong support system and a caregiver.Learn MoreCaring for Someone with ALS
People with sporadic ALS develop many symptoms that eventually hinder their ability to move, eat, or breathe independently. Because of that, they will eventually need constant care. It’s important for people with ALS to have a strong support system and a caregiver.
Learn MoreCaring for Someone with ALS
6 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.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int.2015 Nov 16;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int.2015 Nov 16;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Masrori P, Van Damme P.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A clinical review.Eur J Neurol.2020 Oct;27(10):1918-1929. doi:10.1111/ene.14393ALS Association.Obtaining an ALS diagnosis.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
6 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.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int.2015 Nov 16;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int.2015 Nov 16;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Masrori P, Van Damme P.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A clinical review.Eur J Neurol.2020 Oct;27(10):1918-1929. doi:10.1111/ene.14393ALS Association.Obtaining an ALS diagnosis.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
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.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int.2015 Nov 16;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int.2015 Nov 16;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Masrori P, Van Damme P.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A clinical review.Eur J Neurol.2020 Oct;27(10):1918-1929. doi:10.1111/ene.14393ALS Association.Obtaining an ALS diagnosis.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int.2015 Nov 16;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561
Masrori P, Van Damme P.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A clinical review.Eur J Neurol.2020 Oct;27(10):1918-1929. doi:10.1111/ene.14393
ALS Association.Obtaining an ALS diagnosis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
