Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) Symptoms

ALS Symptoms usually do not develop until after age 50. Progressive loss of muscle strength and coordination eventually interfere with the ability to perform routine activities, such as going up steps, getting out of a chair, or swallowing. Occasionally, breathing or swallowing muscles may be the first to be affected.

As Lou Gehrigs disease progresses, more muscle groups are affected and patients become progressively incapacitated. There is no effect on the ability to think or reason.

Symptoms include:

• muscle weakness, decrease in muscle strength and coordination
  gradual onset
  progressively worsens
  commonly involves one limb initially (such as the hand)
  progresses to difficulty lifting, climbing stairs, and walking
   
• paralysis
• muscle cramps
• voice changes, hoarseness
• speech impairment, slow or abnormal speech pattern
• difficulty swallowing, gags or chokes easily
• difficulty breathing (increasing effort required to breathe)
• head drop due to weak spinal and neck muscles
• muscle contractions
• muscle spasms
• muscle atrophy
• ankle, feet and leg swelling
• weight loss
• drooling

Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) Treatment

There is no known cure for Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). Riluzole may prolong life, but does not reverse or stop disease progression.

ALS Treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. Baclofen or diazepam may be used to control spasticity that interferes with activities of daily living. Trihexyphenidyl or amitriptyline may be prescribed for people with impaired ability to swallow saliva.

Physical therapy, rehabilitation, use of appliances (such as braces or a wheelchair) or orthopedic intervention may be required to maximize muscle function and general health.

Choking is common and there may be an early need for placement of a tube into the stomach for feeding (gastrostomy). A referral to an otolaryngologist may be advised. A nutritionist is helpful to prevent weight loss, especially for patients with limitied ability to swallow.

The use of devices to assist in breathing includes machines that are only used at night as well as mechanical ventilation. Patients should discuss their wishes regarding artificial ventilation with their doctors.