Brain trauma causes motor-neuron dysfunction similar to Lou Gehrig's disease

Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (A.L.S.), is a fatal motor-neuron disease that results in progressive muscle atrophy caused by degeneration of motor neurons.  Recent studies by Boston University School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford, Mass., indicate that athletes and veterans could be misdiagnosed as having A.L.S.  The researchers found that concussion trauma also leads to motor-neuron disease similar to A.L.S.  As such, Lou Gehrig, who suffered repeated concussions during his lifetime, may not have had A.L.S., but rather, may have suffered from motor-neuron degeneration as a result of brain trauma.  However, the cremation of Lou Gehrig’s remains prevents the doctors from determining the type of motor-neuron disorder he actually had.

To read more, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/sports/18gehrig.html?emc=na.  www.nytimes.com