OVERVIEW
muscular weakness and impairment of physical function caused by a disorder of the neurological system.
Nerve cells degenerate in this condition, impairing the function of the muscles they supply. Nobody knows what caused it.
The main symptom is muscle weakness.
Medication and therapy can slow ALS and reduce discomfort, but there’s no cure.
Very rare
Fewer than 20,000 US cases per year
Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging always required
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
SYMPTOMS
Requires a medical diagnosis
The main symptom is muscle weakness.
People may experience:
Muscular: muscle weakness, problems with coordination, stiff muscles, loss of muscle, muscle spasms, or overactive reflexes
Whole body: fatigue or feeling faint
Speech: difficulty speaking or vocal cord spasm
Also common: difficulty swallowing, drooling, lack of restraint, mild cognitive impairment, severe constipation, severe unintentional weight loss, shortness of breath, or difficulty raising the foot
