Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also called Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the famous baseball player who battled the disorder. According to the online medical library Merck Manuals, ALS is a common type of motor neuron disorder, or MND, that destroys nerves that operate the respiratory muscles. About 50 percent of people die within three years of onset. ALS has severe medical symptoms, all of which involve deterioration of nerves in the central nervous system.
Muscle Weakness
The ALS Association reports that muscle weakness is the most common initial sign of ALS, occurring as the first symptom in about 60 percent of patients. According to the association, initial symptoms of the disease can be quite mild and greatly vary among people. Weakened muscles most often initially occur in the hands and feet, and this may affect daily activities such as lifting, walking, washing and dressing. Muscle weakness can manifest itself as trouble lifting objects a person could otherwise normally lift. Someone with ALS also may have trouble with coordination or may trip frequently while walking. The disease can cause difficulty in moving the tongue, which may cause problems eating. Muscle weakening eventually leads to paralysis.
Uncontrollable Muscle Movements
ALS symptoms also include lack of control over muscle movements, Merck Manuals reports. For example, a person may have difficulty controlling facial expressions. The muscles may also cramp and twitch uncontrollably, the Mayo Clinic adds. This commonly affects the arms, shoulders and tongue.
Speech
Slurred speech is also an initial symptom of ALS. As the muscles of the tongue and mouth become progressively weaker, the ALS Association says that speech deteriorates accordingly. Merck Manuals notes that a person may suffer hoarseness or have difficulty projecting his voice. He may also produce excessive saliva, further disrupting the ability to speak clearly.
Breathing
The respiratory muscles that make breathing possible weaken as ALS progresses. Respiratory muscle weakness can cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The respiratory muscles ultimately become paralyzed, and a person needs permanent breathing support via a ventilator to survive. Death in people with ALS is due to the failure of the respiratory muscles.
Emotions
ALS patients may have uncontrollable periods of crying or laughing. This is due to nerve damage in the part of the brain associated with controlling emotions.
