Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a rapidly progressive, eventually fatal disease that attack the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. When the nerve cells are attacked and damaged, they begin to fail in their efforts to send impulses to the muscles. Eventually, the muscles used for breathing and other vital bodily functions fail and death occurs. Early diagnosis of this disease is critical and often times the early symptoms are overlooked.
It should be noted that although ALS is a neurologic disorder, it only affects the muscles of the body. Individuals suffering from ALS maintain their ability to touch, taste and smell. In addition, cognitive function is not impaired, so patients maintain their ability to think and reason.
Muscle Ailments
Patients in early stages of ALS may experience some very minor muscle ailments. According to researchers at the University of California at San Francisco, most symptoms will occur in the arms, legs and even the tongue. Some early symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease include muscle cramping, muscle twitching, generalized muscle stiffness, or muscle weakness occurring in one arm or leg.
Loss of Coordination
Loss of coordination in another early warning sign of ALS. Due to weakness in the feet and ankles, individuals may experience an increase in tripping, stumbling or overall unsteady on their feet. In addition, due to weakness in the hands and arms, individuals may notice an increased inability to carry objects or begin dropping items more frequently.
Head/Neck Disorders
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the tongue and throat muscles may be among the muscles that are initially affected by ALS. Individuals may experience a difficult time swallowing and may notice it being more difficult to speak or form words. Also, because of the increased tightness in the throat muscles, people may experience an overactive gag reflex.
Fatigue
Fatigue is also an early warning sign of ALS. Due to the muscles beginning to break down and degenerate, individuals may experience generalized whole body weakness and fatigue in the early stages of ALS.
