Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is progressive and fatal. The disease affects the nerve cells that control the voluntary muscles. Because this disease affects some of the most important functions of the body, it can be extremely painful. Eventually, it progresses to affect the lungs and heart, which leads to death. Although the disease is neurological, only the muscles of the body are affected. It does not impair the patient's ability to concentrate or function mentally.
Problems with the Muscles
The University of California at San Francisco states the earliest symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease usually begin in the arms, legs and tongue. These symptoms vary depending on the patient but can include muscle cramps and weakness. A patient can also feel muscle twitches that occur while resting. Another muscle symptom that manifests with Lou Gehrig's disease is stiffness in the arms and legs. This can be so severe that the patient is unable to walk properly, even after trying to warm up the muscles.
Progressive Lack of Coordination
Lack of coordination is another early sign of Lou Gehrig's disease. The patient's muscles begin to weaken due to the progression of the disease, which causes him to have trouble performing everyday tasks. Walking can become difficult due to tripping or stumbling. The person may have difficulty holding on to things and may begin dropping objects. Medline Plus states that early symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease will affect a single body part first, such as one hand or foot.
Mouth and Throat Problems
According to The Mayo Clinic, one of the early symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease is problems with the mouth and throat. The tongue will become weaker, as will the muscles of the throat. This can cause the patient to begin slurring when speaking. She can also experience problems swallowing and could choke when she eats. This symptom will progress to the point that some patients might decide to have a feeding tube placed in the stomach, called gastrostomy.
Severe Fatigue
One of the early symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease is severe, persistent fatigue. A patient will begin to feel like he can't complete a day because of lack of energy. The muscles of the body create energy, and they are beginning to break down and become less functional.
