Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease that causes severe and fatal nerve damage. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 people are affected by this condition. The cause of ALS is unknown and there is currently no cure for this condition. After the early symptoms of ALS develop, the majority of patients continue to live for approximately three to five years.
Muscle Weakness
The earliest symptoms of ALS typically involve alterations in muscle function or strength. You can experience abnormal muscle weakness, spasms, cramping or switching within your feet, legs, hands, arms or shoulders. You might notice that you trip or stumble more frequently than normal, explain health professionals at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Such symptoms rapidly progress and cause significant deterioration of voluntary muscle function. Eventually, ALS patients become completely paralyzed and are unable to walk.
Breathing Difficulties
The respiratory muscles, such as the diaphragm, can also be affected by ALS. When this occurs, patients with ALS develop difficulty breathing and may begin to experience wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath. Patients with ALS eventually require the support of an external ventilator in order to breathe. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death among ALS patients.
Slurred Speech
Symptoms of ALS can include changes in speech patterns, including slurred or nasal speech. The nerves of the mouth and tongue can be damaged due to this condition. If this occurs, it can be difficult to move the mouth and tongue normally when attempting to speak. This can cause you to slur your words or have difficulty forming or speaking certain words. As ALS progresses, patients lose the ability to verbally speak.
Difficulty Swallowing
Nerve deterioration within the mouth, tongue and throat can cause digestive problems in patients with ALS. Symptoms of ALS can include difficulty moving your mouth, chewing or swallowing. Certain patients with ALS develop exaggerated reflexes, a condition called hyperreflexia, which can lead to an overactive gag reflex when attempting to eat food. These symptoms can increase a patient's risk of choking while eating. Such symptoms can also lead to significant weight loss, as eating becomes progressively more difficult for the patient. Eventually, patients with ALS require a feeding tube to ensure adequate nutrient provision.
