Lou Gehrig Disease

Spinal fluid proteins signal Lou Gehrig's Disease

High levels of certain proteins in the spinal fluid could signal the onset of Lou Gehrig's disease, according to researchers. The discovery of these biomarkers may lead to diagnostic kits for early diagnosis, accurately measuring the progression of the disease and monitoring the effects of treatment. "The disease has to progress far enough so that the patient begins to experience significant muscle weakness, so that a physician can identify the problem," said James Connor, distinguished professor and vice-chair of neurosurgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center. "If we had a biomarker we could start treatments earlier and perhaps save more nerve cells and slow the disease." (more)