What is PLS?

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness in the voluntary muscles. PLS belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases.

What is it like to have PLS?

Common Symptoms Patients' Latest Severity My Current Severity  
Severity
Severe
Moderate
Mild
None
Anxious mood None Mild Moderate Severe
Constipation None Mild Moderate Severe
Emotional lability None Mild Moderate Severe
Excess saliva None Mild Moderate Severe
Excessive yawning None Mild Moderate Severe
Fasciculations None Mild Moderate Severe
Stiffness/Spasticity None Mild Moderate Severe

What do patients take to treat PLS and its symptoms?

Commonly prescribed and frequently used treatments

Treatment name Efficacy Overall rating of side effects # of Evaluations
Baclofen
(Kemstro, DOM-Baclofen, Gabalon, Spinax)
12
Riluzole
(Rilutek)
6

These charts show data from PLS patients' latest treatment evaluations

Who has PLS at PatientsLikeMe?

<20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+
Current Age
Distribution of females vs. males
Gender
58% Females
42% Males
Age at first symptom
Age at first symptom # of patients Proportion
0-19 yrs 3
20-29 yrs 12
30-39 yrs 42
40-49 yrs 69
50-59 yrs 77
60-69 yrs 26
70+ yrs 3
Diagnosis status
Diagnosis status # of patients Proportion
Diagnosed 197
Not Officially Diagnosed 63

These charts show data from PLS patients who have completed their condition history