Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The onset of ALS may be so subtle that the symptoms are frequently overlooked. The earliest LMN symptoms are weakness due to muscle atrophy. This is followed by twitching, cramping, or stiffness of affected muscles; muscle weakness affecting an arm or a leg; and/or slurred and nasal speech. The twitching, cramping, etc. associated with ALS is a result of the dying muscle, due to denervation and sometimes probable re-innervation.
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
History
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that ultimately leads to paralysis. Patients may have a positive history of:
- Weakness start proximally/ distally in upper or lower limbs.
- Twitching
- Cramping
- Gradually Stiffness also develop in affected muscles
- Difficulty swallowing/ speech.
- Drooling
Symptoms
Common symptoms of ALS include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle stiffness
- Gait disturbances
- Dysarthria/ dysphagia with bulbar-onset ALS.
- Respiratory difficulties
References
References
- ↑ Wijesekera LC, Leigh PN (2009). “Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis”. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 4: 3. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-4-3. PMC 2656493. PMID 19192301.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]