Renowned actor Eric Dane from Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with ALS. Fans received the news with great sorrow, while experts warned about the signs of this deadly disease. Similarly, famous physicist Stephen Hawking also battled with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This neurological condition damages the nervous system over time, leading to difficulties in basic functions such as walking, speaking, eating, and breathing.In both the UK and the US, the lifetime risk of developing this disease is 1 in 300 individuals. While the average life expectancy of a person diagnosed with ALS ranges from 2 to 5 years, some patients can live much longer. (Stephen Hawking lived approximately 50 years with this condition.)Twitching Muscles
Early symptoms include twitching and cramping in the muscles, which can sometimes feel like a wave under the skin. However, twitching alone is not typically associated with ALS. Fatigue, stress, and caffeine use can also trigger these muscle twitches.Persistent fatigue is a common symptom in motor neuron diseases. The feeling of energy depletion or exhaustion may stem from the gradual loss of motor neuron cell function.Stumbling, falling, and difficulty climbing stairs can indicate weakness in the leg muscles due to the disease. Muscles may begin to shrink (atrophy), leading to conditions like “foot drop.”Issues such as weakness or stiffness in the hands could signal the onset of motor neuron disease. This can affect grip strength, making daily tasks more challenging. However, these symptoms could also result from nerve compression or age-related joint problems.Weakness in facial, mouth, tongue, and throat muscles can cause speech problems and difficulty swallowing. Changes in the pitch and volume of speech may occur, accompanied by shortness of breath. The disease can also impact cognitive functions, causing alterations in behavior and thought patterns. Around half of patients may experience such changes, including inappropriate bouts of crying or laughter. Typically, these alterations are mild and do not significantly disrupt daily life.
IS THERE A CURE FOR ALS?
While the exact cause of this progressive disease remains uncertain, there is currently no definitive treatment available.