The headline “Lou Gehrig’s syndrome: Here are the first symptoms of this disease” refers to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare neurological disease that affects nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles.
Early symptoms can be subtle and may vary from person to person. Possible early signs include:
- Muscle weakness
- Often begins in one hand, arm, leg, or on one side of the body.
- People may notice difficulty gripping objects, buttoning clothes, or lifting the foot while walking.
- Muscle twitching (fasciculations)
- Small, involuntary muscle movements, often seen in the arms, legs, shoulders, or tongue.
- Muscle cramps or stiffness
- Tightness, spasms, or increased muscle tone may occur.
- Changes in speech
- Slurred speech, a softer voice, or difficulty pronouncing words.
- Difficulty swallowing
- Some people develop problems with chewing or swallowing.
- Clumsiness or balance problems
- Tripping, dropping items, or reduced coordination can be early signs.
Important note
Many of these symptoms can also occur with much more common and less serious conditions, such as nerve compression, vitamin deficiencies, injuries, or other neurological issues. Having one of these signs does not mean someone has ALS.
A healthcare professional can evaluate persistent or progressive symptoms with a neurological exam and appropriate testing.
If symptoms such as progressive muscle weakness, repeated falls, trouble speaking, or swallowing difficulties are occurring, it is worth seeking medical advice.
