|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

ALS Disease Symptoms

ALS disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurological disease affecting muscle movement and weakness which eventually leads to death. According to the Mayo Clinic, 5 to 10 percent of ALS cases are inherited, but in most cases the cause is unknown. The disease can advance quickly, but some ALS patients can survive 10 or more years.

  1. Early Symptoms

    • Early symptoms of ALS are subtle and may go unnoticed. These symptoms include twitching or stiffening of the muscles, muscle weakness in the arm or leg, slurred speech and problems with chewing or swallowing. Typically the disease will start in your hands, feet or limbs and then spread to the rest of your body.

    Progressive Symptoms

    • As the disease progresses you will start to notice symptoms such as muscle cramps, muscle atrophy and muscle twitches that can be seen under the skin. Standing or walking may become problematic, and the risk of choking increases from the inability to swallow correctly. Depression may develop from suffering ALS symptoms.

    Late Stage Symptoms

    • Later in the disease symptoms may include difficulty breathing as the muscles weaken in the respiratory system. Eventually a respirator will be needed as the patient loses total ability to breathe. Pneumonia is also a risk at the later stages of ALS.

    Diagnosis

    • ALS in its early stages mimics other diseases, so your doctor will order tests to rule out other conditions. An electromyogram is a procedure in which your doctor inserts a wire electrode into the affected muscle. Electrical activity is recorded as you rest and contract your muscle. In a nerve conduction study, electrodes are placed above the muscle and a small shock is released into the muscle. The muscle is then measured for strength of nerve signals. Your doctor may perform a muscle biopsy in which a small sample is taken from the affected muscle and analyzed in a lab.

    Treatment

    • As there is no cure for ALS, treatment is used to slow progression of the disease. A medication called Rilutek is normally prescribed as it reduces levels of glutamate, a chemical in the brain. Your doctor will also prescribe medications to relieve muscle cramps, fatigue, pain, depression and excess salivation. A physical therapist can provide you with a low-impact exercise routine to help keep muscle strength as long as possible.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles