Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS): early symptoms
Lou Gehrig’s disease, medically called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive disease affecting the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. Early symptoms can be subtle and vary considerably from person to person. CDC+1
Common early signs include:
-
Muscle weakness in one hand, arm, leg, or the neck.
-
Muscle twitching (fasciculations), including in the arms, legs, shoulders, or tongue.
-
Muscle cramps.
-
Stiff or tight muscles (spasticity).
-
Clumsiness with the hands—for example, difficulty buttoning clothes, writing, or turning a key.
-
Tripping or stumbling because of weakness in a leg or foot.
-
Slurred or nasal speech.
-
Difficulty chewing or swallowing. NINDS
In some people, the first symptoms involve the hands or legs (“limb-onset” ALS); in others, speech or swallowing problems appear first (“bulbar-onset” ALS). NINDS
Important
These symptoms do not mean someone has ALS. Muscle twitching, cramps, weakness, and difficulty walking can have many other causes. ALS is uncommon, and diagnosis requires a medical evaluation to distinguish it from other neurological conditions. CDC+1
If weakness is progressively worsening, especially if it’s affecting one limb or causing repeated falls, or if there is new difficulty speaking or swallowing, a neurologist should evaluate it promptly.
