Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that affects the nervous system, particularly the motor neurons. It may affect either spinal or bulbar neurons, which classify how symptoms present in the individual. Currently, the cause of ALS is unknown, although research indicates the possibility of genetic and environmental factors affecting its incidence. It is important for health care practitioners to understand amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to enable them to make modifications to patient care as needed.