Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis — often called “Lou Gehrig’s syndrome” or “Lou Gehrig’s disease” — is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles.
Early symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common first signs include:
- Muscle weakness in one hand, arm, leg, or foot
- Frequent tripping or difficulty walking
- Trouble gripping objects or buttoning clothes
- Muscle twitching (fasciculations), especially in the arms, shoulders, or tongue
- Muscle cramps or stiffness
- Slurred speech or changes in voice
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Unusual fatigue after normal physical activity
As the disease progresses, weakness spreads to more muscle groups and can affect breathing.
There are two common ways symptoms may begin:
- Limb-onset ALS
Starts in the arms or legs. A person may notice clumsiness, dropping items, or foot drop. - Bulbar-onset ALS
Starts with speech or swallowing problems, such as slurring words or choking on liquids.
ALS symptoms usually develop gradually over weeks or months rather than suddenly.
Risk factors associated with ALS include:
- Age (most common between 40–70)
- Family history in some cases
- Smoking (especially in some studies)
- Male sex slightly more often before age 65
Diagnosis is based on neurological exams, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, imaging, and ruling out other conditions. There is currently no cure, but treatments and supportive care can slow progression and improve quality of life.
For reliable medical information:
