the anterior horn of the spinal cord. This eventually causes muscle loss as the skeletal muscles deteriorate from lack of use, which will, in the end, cause total paralysis. Even the muscles which operate the lungs and breathing begin to fail, eventually. The average life expectancy of an ALS patient, after diagnosis, is about 4 years. So far the only options in treating ALS are Rilutek and Neurontin, which can, at best, prolong the patient's life expectancy by a few months. The sheer shock of being diagnosed with ALS often requires that the patient be put on antidepressants, or regularly attend psychotherapy. ALS can be caused by three main causes, and is divided into three categories based on this. The most common in the US is sporadic ALS, which can happen due to a number of factors which are not really understood at this time. The next most common in the US is familial ALS, which is caused by an inherited genetic defect. The last type is becoming increasingly rare, and is known as Guamanian ALS. It is believed to be caused by a neurotoxin found in certain seeds used in the region of Guam and the Pacific Territories, or by the high aluminum cont
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