Lou Gehrig’s disease: the first symptoms to know
Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurological disease that damages the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement. Early symptoms can be subtle and vary considerably from person to person.
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Mayo Clinic
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Common early symptoms
Muscle weakness — often beginning in one hand, arm, foot, or leg.
Hand clumsiness — difficulty buttoning clothes, writing, opening jars, or gripping objects.
Frequent tripping or falling — weakness in the feet, ankles, or legs can make walking difficult.
Muscle twitching (fasciculations) — commonly noticed in the arms, shoulders, legs, or tongue.
Muscle cramps — persistent or recurrent cramps can occur alongside weakness.
Slurred or unusual speech — particularly when ALS initially affects muscles involved in speaking.
Difficulty swallowing — choking or difficulty moving food and liquids can occur.
Difficulty holding the head up or maintaining posture in some people.
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Mayo Clinic
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An important point
A muscle twitch or occasional weakness does not mean you have ALS. Many much more common conditions can cause twitching, cramps, numbness, or weakness. ALS is particularly concerning when there is progressive muscle weakness that continues to worsen and interfere with everyday activities. Diagnosis requires a neurological evaluation and tests to rule out other conditions; there isn’t a single test that simply confirms ALS.
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Mayo Clinic
If you’re experiencing new or progressively worsening weakness, difficulty speaking/swallowing, or repeated unexplained falls, it’s appropriate to arrange an evaluation with a doctor, often a neurologist.
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