Gastrointestinal dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. However, ALS has been recognized to involve several non-motor systems. Subclinical involvement of the autonomic system (i.e. of cardial or sudomotor regulation) has been described in ALS. Gastrointestinal motor dysfunction can occur in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, even if patients do not complain of gastrointestinal symptoms. New techniques in non-invasive evaluation of gastrointestinal function showed delayed gastric emptying and delayed colonic transit times in patients with ALS.