Lou Gehrig’s disease is the common name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. Early symptoms can vary from person to person and may resemble other conditions, so a medical evaluation is needed for diagnosis.
Possible early symptoms of ALS
- Muscle weakness
- Often begins in one hand, arm, leg, or with muscles involved in speech and swallowing.
- Examples: dropping objects, difficulty gripping, trouble lifting a foot while walking.
- Muscle twitching (fasciculations)
- Small, involuntary muscle movements, commonly noticed in the arms, legs, shoulders, or tongue.
- Muscle cramps and stiffness
- Frequent cramps, tightness, or unusual muscle stiffness.
- Changes in coordination and movement
- Clumsiness, tripping, difficulty with buttons, writing, or fine hand movements.
- Speech changes
- Slurred speech, a softer voice, or difficulty pronouncing words clearly.
- Swallowing difficulties
- Trouble swallowing food or liquids, coughing while eating, or changes in chewing.
- Fatigue and reduced endurance
- Muscles may tire more easily than usual.
- Changes in reflexes or muscle tone
- Increased stiffness or unusual reflex responses may occur.
Symptoms that are usually not typical early signs
ALS primarily affects motor nerves. Early problems with memory, thinking, sensation (such as numbness or tingling), or bladder control are generally not the main features, though some people with ALS can have changes in thinking or behavior.
If someone is experiencing new or progressive muscle weakness, repeated falls, unexplained speech changes, or swallowing problems, it is important to see a healthcare professional for assessment. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms, and only a clinician can determine the cause.
