Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Other Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs) (Lou Gehrig Disease; Charcot Syndrome) By Michael Rubin, MDCM, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Apr 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Distinguishing Upper From... Distinguishing the Cause... Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases are characterized by steady, relentless, progressive degeneration of corticospinal tracts, anterior horn cells, bulbar motor nuclei, or a combination.