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> He didn't die like many others because his breathing and swallowing muscles still function But the article doesn't explain why his breathing and swallowing m
by cynix 12y ago
> He didn't die like many others because his breathing and swallowing muscles still function
But the article doesn't explain why his breathing and swallowing muscles continue to function normally, unlike other ALS patients.
- azinman2 12y agoExactly. Having first hand experience with ALS, it's fucking horrible and devastating for most people. The 'grease' (myelination) between your neurons is attacked by your own body and eventually your brain stops being able to transmit impulses to muscles. That's why the article mentions breathing/swallowing. As this applies to all muscles your life quality goes to nothing. That he's reached some kind of stability is amazing, but apparently no one knows why. I guess his body just stopped attacking itself? It somehow it can repair at the same rate it attacks? Really: How Stephen Hawking, diagnosed with ALS decades ago, is still alive should be How is Stephen Hawking, diagnosed with ALS decades ago, still alive?