What are the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
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Early symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involve weaknesses of peripheral motor control. People with ALS will begin to have difficulty moving their hands and feet. They may have trouble speaking and eating. They can experience muscle cramps and twitching throughout their body. As ALS progresses, difficulties with moving and speaking become more severe. ALS causes problems with breathing, and often kills through respiratory failure. It is also associated with neurological conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
Early symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involve weaknesses of peripheral motor control. People with ALS will begin to have difficulty moving their hands and feet. They may have trouble speaking and eating. They can experience muscle... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Though people may experience the symptoms of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) differently, the following symptoms are the most common:
• Twitching and cramping of muscles, especially those in the hands and feet
• Loss of motor control in the hands and arms
• Impaired use of the arms and legs
• Weakness and fatigue
• Tripping and falling
• Dropping things
• Uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying
• Slurred or thick speech and difficulty in projecting the voice
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• ParalysisThe symptoms of ALS may resemble other conditions or medical problems. You should consult a physician for diagnosis.
Though people may experience the symptoms of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) differently, the following symptoms are the most common: • Twitching and cramping of muscles, especially those in the hands and feet• Loss of motor control in the... More -
Discovery Health answered:When the symptoms for ALS first begins, the symptoms are hard to notice. Some experience muscle stiffness or weakness, others slur their speech or become clumsier or usual.
Which symptoms show up first depends on which muscles are affected. When the disease affects upper motor neurons, people will experience slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing and general clumsiness. When it affects the lower motor neurons, muscles in a particular part of the body-such as the hand or foot-will be affected. Eventually of all of the muscles in the body will be affected, resulting in total paralysis.When the symptoms for ALS first begins, the symptoms are hard to notice. Some experience muscle stiffness or weakness, others slur their speech or become clumsier or usual.Which symptoms show up first depends on which muscles are affected. When the... More
