Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS): Early Symptoms You Should Know

Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Over time, it can lead to increasing muscle weakness and difficulty with movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing.

Early symptoms can be subtle and may vary from person to person. Having one of these symptoms does not mean someone has ALS, as many other conditions can cause similar problems.

1. Muscle Weakness in an Arm or Leg

One of the most common early signs is weakness that starts in a specific area, such as:

• Difficulty gripping objects
• Dropping things more often
• Trouble buttoning clothes
• Tripping or stumbling more than usual
• Difficulty climbing stairs

2. Muscle Twitching (Fasciculations)

Small, involuntary muscle twitches may appear under the skin, often in:

• Arms
• Legs
• Shoulders
• Tongue

Muscle twitching is common and can have many causes, including stress, fatigue, or other neurological conditions.

3. Muscle Cramps and Stiffness

Some people experience:

• Frequent cramps
• Muscle tightness
• Stiffness
• Reduced flexibility

4. Changes in Speech

Early speech changes may include:

• Slurred speech
• A quieter voice
• Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
• Trouble controlling the tongue muscles

5. Difficulty Swallowing

Some people develop:

• Choking more often
• Difficulty swallowing liquids or foods
• Changes in eating habits

6. Loss of Coordination and Balance

ALS can affect movement control, causing:

• Clumsiness
• Trouble with fine movements
• Increased falls

7. Unusual Fatigue

Some people notice tiredness related to muscles working harder because of weakness.

Symptoms ALS Usually Does Not Cause Early On

ALS typically does not begin with:

• Loss of sensation (numbness or tingling)
• Severe pain as the main symptom
• Loss of vision
• Problems with bladder or bowel control

However, symptoms can vary, and a healthcare professional is needed for proper evaluation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you have persistent or worsening:

• Unexplained muscle weakness
• Progressive difficulty walking or using your hands
• Speech or swallowing changes
• Muscle wasting (visible loss of muscle size)

A doctor may perform a neurological examination and tests to determine the cause.