According to the ALS association, the early signs and symptoms of ALS may be so subtle and slight that they can be overlooked. These early symptoms don't arise in the same order or presentation from patient to patient, and the progression of the disease varies between individuals. One individual might have trouble walking and trip or experience foot-drop. Another may have slurred or altered speech, while another may have muscle weakness in the upper extremities or decreased dexterity in the hands.
Early signs and symptoms of ALS
Muscle weakness is considered a hallmark initial sign of ALS, occurring in approximately 60% of patients. The disease progresses by increasing weakness and paralysis in the muscles throughout the body, and eventually effects speech, swallowing, chewing and breathing.
Because ALS only attacks motor neurons, patients do not experience deficits in the sense of touch, hearing, taste, smell, or sight.
The video below will show a women's personal story of the early onset of her disease, and the breakdown of symptoms and diagnosis by an MD.
Association, A. (n.d.). Symptoms. Retrieved February 9, 2015, from http://www.alsa.org/about-als/symptoms.html
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