Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe. Symptoms of ALS vary from person to person and depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing, or slurred speech. Eventually, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of the body, and symptoms might include:
- Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)
- Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, the neck, or diaphragm
- Slurred and nasal speech
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Breathing difficulties
- Paralysis
As the disease progresses, individuals with ALS eventually lose the ability to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, or use their hands and arms. They may also experience problems with maintaining weight and malnourishment, muscle cramps and neuropathy, anxiety, and depression. Fasciculations, which are muscle twitches, are a common ALS symptom. While they’re not painful, they can be bothersome and disrupt sleep. There is no cure for ALS, and there is no single test that can definitely diagnose it. However, healthcare providers can conduct a physical exam and certain tests to rule out other conditions or help diagnose ALS, such as an electromyogram (EMG) or muscle or nerve biopsy.
