Lou Gehrig’s disease, medically known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurological disease that damages nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement.
Early symptoms can include
- Muscle weakness, often beginning in one hand, arm, leg, or the muscles used for speaking or swallowing
- Muscle twitching (fasciculations) or cramps
- Stiff or tight muscles
- Clumsiness or difficulty with everyday movements, such as buttoning clothes or walking
- Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing when the muscles involved are affected
- Unexplained changes in walking or frequent tripping
These symptoms do not mean someone has ALS. Many much more common conditions—including nerve compression, vitamin deficiencies, medication effects, and other neurological disorders—can produce similar symptoms.
If weakness is progressive or unexplained, particularly when accompanied by muscle wasting, twitching, or speech/swallowing problems, a neurologist can determine whether further testing is appropriate.
