10 Symptoms of ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare and debilitating neurological condition characterized by the degeneration and eventual cessation of motor neurons responsible for voluntary muscle function. As the disease progresses, patients experience significant challenges, including difficulties with eating, speaking, moving, and ultimately breathing. Annually, around 5,000 individuals in the United States receive an ALS diagnosis, as reported by the ALS Foundation. While several treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, there is currently no cure for ALS.

1. Coordination

Loss of coordination often serves as an early indicator of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Initially, individuals may experience subtle disruptions in hand-eye coordination, manifesting in challenges with everyday tasks such as grasping a hairbrush. As the condition progresses, such coordination difficulties become more frequent. In some instances, these coordination issues may persist for several months before the emergence of other ALS-related symptoms.

2. Cramps

One of the initial indicators of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be muscle cramps or spasms, which often appear in conjunction with other neurological symptoms. As the condition progresses due to the degeneration of spinal and brain stem motor neurons, individuals may experience muscle twitching, cramping, and atrophy. These symptoms generally emerge following a decline in hand-eye coordination and can persist throughout various stages of the disease.

3. Weak Muscles

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) rapidly affects the nervous system, leading to motor neuron degeneration, which are crucial for voluntary muscle movements. This neuron damage causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Consequently, individuals with ALS may experience significant reduction in muscle mass, often necessitating the use of wheelchairs to aid in mobility even before the complete loss of ambulatory abilities.

4. Vocal Pitch Changes

Laryngeal dysfunction, commonly associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can manifest due to the degeneration of neurons impacting the bulbar nerves. This condition frequently leads to a noticeable lowering of voice pitch among individuals afflicted with ALS. Often, this symptom arises in conjunction with challenges in hand-eye coordination.

5. Slurred Speech

Speech slurring occurs due to an impairment of the muscles needed for articulation, such as the lips and tongue, a condition known as dysarthria. This motor dysfunction hinders clear pronunciation and the ability to speak correctly, presenting challenges in verbal communication. Dysarthria is distinct from changes in vocal pitch and relates specifically to the physical capability of forming words.

6. Crying and Laughing Uncontrollably

Patients with ALS may experience pseudobulbar affect, where they have involuntary episodes of laughter or crying due to mood swings. This condition is thought to arise from the degeneration of upper motor neurons in the cerebral cortex and brainstem, leading to compromised neural pathways and a loss of inhibitory control. The resulting emotional expressions are often abrupt and may occur without any apparent cause, varying in duration from a few moments to an hour. There are prescription medications available that can help manage these emotional outbursts and stabilize mood fluctuations.

7. Breathing Problems

As the disease advances in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), respiratory complications commonly arise due to the progressive degeneration of muscular function. Initially, individuals may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing deeply or shortness of breath. Over time, this can lead to more severe respiratory issues, including the possibility of lung collapse, necessitating the continual use of mechanical ventilation support to assist with breathing.

8. Problems with Walking

Difficulty with ambulation is often observed in the advanced stages of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It typically begins with leg muscle weakness that progressively intensifies due to ongoing muscular atrophy associated with ALS. While various conditions can lead to leg weakness, it is usually accompanied by additional symptoms of ALS by the time it becomes pronounced.

9. Problems Swallowing

Difficulty with swallowing, or dysphagea, is a common advanced symptom of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It complicates basic functions like eating and drinking, thus increasing the risk of choking, as even saliva cannot be easily swallowed. This is due to impaired muscle control necessary for swallowing. To address these challenges, physicians may collaborate with nutritionists to create specialized meal plans. These tailored plans are designed to ensure that ALS patients receive adequate nutrition despite their condition.

10. Difficulty Supporting the Head

Individuals with advanced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) may experience weakened neck muscles, leading to a condition known as dropped head syndrome. This manifests as a difficulty in controlling neck muscles, necessitating the use of neck braces to provide support and maintain the head in a proper position.