Early ALS Symptoms

ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or "Lou Gehrig's Disease." ALS is also commonly known as motor neuron disease. ALS mainly effects the spinal chord and nerve cells in the brain. The gradual degeneration of neurons lead to paralysis and eventually death. ALS has no known cure at this time.

Earliest Symptoms

• ALS' earliest symptoms includes lack of control, loss of muscular power and slurred speech. Early symptoms start in the legs, feet, hands, arms or speech muscles.

Muscle Weakness

• Muscle weakness is a trademark symptom of ALS. This includes tripping, fatigue in arms or legs and loss of muscular control.

Uncontrolled Activities

• ALS patients may experience uncontrollable laughing or crying. Tripping and falling is also common.

Eating Problem

• Patient might find difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

General Weakness

• There is general weakness in most patients.

Speech Problem

• ALS patients may also experience speech problem such as slurred or thick speech.