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Signs of Lou Gehrig's Disease

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease after the late New York Yankees first baseman who was afflicted with it, is a neurological disorder that causes gradual degeneration of the body's nerves and muscles. The cause of the disease is not known, and it affects men and women on an equal basis. According to HealthScout.com, people who contract the condition display a genetic predisposition in only 5 to 10 percent of the cases.

  1. Early Stages

    • Initially, a person with Lou Gehrig's disease, will experience a lack of coordination--tripping, not being able to hold on to objects and difficulty performing routine tasks. He could also feel fatigue, along with muscle twitches and difficulty speaking. Because the disease typically occurs in middle to older age, it can be confused with the normal aging process.

    Difficulty Walking

    • As the disease progresses, the person will have difficulty walking. She may also lose the ability to control her hands, to the point where she can't dress or bath herself. Eventually, she will need a motorized wheel chair for transportation because she will not be able to use a manual unit.

    Later Stages

    • In the later stages of the disease as the muscles continue to atrophy, the person's nerve and muscle function will deteriorate to the point where he will need a ventilator to help him breathe. Paralysis will continue to spread throughout the body, and his limb function will cease. He may also be unable to chew or swallow.

    What To Do

    • When signs of Lou Gehrig's disease occur, see a health-care professional. The diagnostic procedure will likely include electromyography to examine the muscles. The doctor may also perform a biopsy to remove and examine a small piece of muscle tissue. Treatment will focus on helping the person stay ambulatory as long as possible through methods such as physical therapy.

    Life Expectancy

    • Although it may occur earlier or later, Lou Gehrig's disease typically strikes those between the ages of 40 and 70. Unfortunately, for those who are diagnosed with the disease, the prognosis is not favorable. The average life expectancy is from three to five years after diagnosis, according to ALS.ca. As of 2009, no cure existed.

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