Feeding tube in motor neurone disease. Coloured X-ray of a section through the abdomen of a 40-year-old female patient with motor neurone disease, showing the gastrostomy tube (lower right) used to feed her. Motor neurone disease (or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS) causes the death of neurons (nerve cells) controlling voluntary muscles. Most patients eventually lose the ability to walk, use their hands, speak, swallow, and breathe.