Glossary of ALS-Related Medical and Scientific Terms

(Presented by The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

---

Select a letter from the list above.

---

levodopa (L-dopa) The single most effective anti-Parkinson drug, it is changed into dopamine in the brain.

Lewy body A pink-staining sphere, found in the bodies of dying cells and thought to be a marker for Parkinson's disease.

ligase In genetics, the general term for a class of enzymes that speed up the joining of the ends of two chains of DNA.

ligation The application of a band or bandage.

limb-onset Refers to the type of ALS where initial symptoms appear in the limbs. The most common form of ALS, the other type being bulbar-onset.

liposome encapsulated clodronate A macrophage toxin. It is designed so that macrophages will consume it and die.

lordosis An exaggeration of the forward curve of the lower part of the back, sometimes called sway-back.

lower motor neuron Nerve cells starting at the spinal cord or brain stem and ending at the muscle fibers. The loss of lower motor neurons leads to weakness, twitching of muscles (fasciculations), and loss of muscle bulk (atrophy).

lumbar puncture A lumbar puncture or "LP" is a procedure whereby spinal fluid is removed from the spinal canal for the purpose of diagnostic testing. It is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, especially infections, such as meningitis. It can also provide clues to the diagnosis of stroke, spinal cord tumor and cancer in the central nervous system.

Back to Glossary Index.