Presented here are 17 individuals with motor neuron disease that followed a severe electric shock. All were under the age of 45 when their motor disorder began. Five developed the illness within 24-36 months of the electrical accident and 12 not until decades later. In 14 cases only a single, but severe, shock had been received while in three others multiple, but substantial, jolts of electricity had been sustained. All 17 were males and all but one are still alive.