Final answer:
ALS is distinguished from MS by the impairment of respiratory muscles, which occurs due to the degeneration of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle movement, leading to paralysis and the need for mechanical assistance for breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) share some similarities, such as muscle weakness and issues with coordination. However, a distinguishing clinical feature of ALS that sets it apart from MS is the impairment of respiratory muscles. ALS is characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem, as well as the motor cortex. This leads to severe muscle atrophy, paralysis, and ultimately difficulties with speech, swallowing, and respiration. In contrast, MS primarily affects the myelin sheath of neurons, leading to a distinct set of neurological symptoms.
A key aspect of ALS is that it degenerates motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movement. As the disease progresses, it causes muscles to weaken and coordination to be affected, eventually leading to complete paralysis, at which point patients may require support from machines to breathe and communicate. This is in stark comparison to MS, which can present with fluctuating symptoms and does not primarily target motor neurons but rather the protective covering of nerves which leads to a different progression of disabilities.