Lou Gehrig’s disease, medically called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles.
Early symptoms can include
Gradually worsening weakness in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
Hand clumsiness, such as difficulty gripping objects or doing buttons
Tripping, falling, or difficulty walking
Muscle twitching or cramps, particularly in the arms, shoulders, or tongue
Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
Increasing difficulty performing ordinary activities
In some people, changes in thinking or behavior can occur.
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Mayo Clinic
A particularly important feature is that ALS weakness generally progresses and spreads over time. However, these symptoms are not specific to ALS—many much more common conditions can cause muscle twitching, cramps, weakness, or difficulty walking. ALS can be difficult to diagnose early, so doctors use a neurological examination and tests such as EMG/nerve-conduction studies while ruling out other causes.
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Mayo Clinic
If someone has new or progressively worsening muscle weakness, speech problems, or swallowing difficulty, they should be evaluated by a doctor/neurologist rather than assuming it is ALS.
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communityhealth.mayoclinic.org
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