What Are the Chief Symptoms of ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells of a patient's brain and spinal cord. The disease is progressive, leading to the breakdown of motor neurons. Patients experience a rapid loss of muscle strength and control, not only in the limbs, but also in the muscles involved with primary functions such as breathing and swallowing. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Muscle Weakness

• The majority of ALS patients experience muscle weakness as one of the early symptoms of the disease. Patients notice a decline in muscle strength, which makes lifting objects difficult. Patients often experience fatigue in the limbs. Additionally, patients may experience muscular twitching and cramping. Muscular atrophy and poor reflexes occur in some patients.

Motor Skill Problems

• Muscular weakness often leads to problems such as tripping while walking or dropping objects. The muscles of the face and mouth can be affected, leading to slurring of speech. Patients may find it difficult to speak at a normal volume, and may have hoarseness of the voice. Most patients experience symptoms in their hands and feet first. Tasks such as getting dressed, fastening buttons and other activities requiring fine motor skills may become increasingly difficult.

Internal Muscle Weakness

• As ALS progresses, patients experience difficulty breathing and swallowing. Some patients also have trouble chewing. This occurs as the disease attacks the muscles of the torso. Most patients with latter-stage ALS require a ventilator to help them breathe. In the final stages of ALS, many patients experience complete paralysis.

Other Symptoms

• Some patients experience uncontrollable crying and laughing.