8. Muscle Stiffness
ALS may cause increased muscle tone, resulting in:
- Tight muscles
- Stiff legs
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced flexibility
9. Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss may occur because:
- Muscles gradually shrink
- Eating becomes more difficult
- The body uses more energy than normal
Unexpected weight loss should never be ignored.
10. Changes in Breathing
Breathing problems usually occur later but can occasionally appear earlier.
Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty lying flat
- Morning headaches
- Poor sleep quality
- Excessive daytime fatigue
These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
What Does ALS Usually Not Affect?
Unlike many neurological disorders, ALS generally does not affect:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Sense of smell
- Sense of touch
- Bladder function (in most people)
- Intellectual ability
However, some individuals may develop changes in thinking or behavior related to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which can occur alongside ALS.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Many early ALS symptoms can also be caused by far more common and treatable conditions, including:
- Pinched nerves
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Thyroid disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Cervical spine problems
For that reason, muscle twitching or weakness does not automatically mean someone has ALS.
You should seek medical evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent muscle weakness
- Progressive loss of coordination
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Frequent falls
- Muscle wasting
- Ongoing unexplained muscle cramps
A neurologist can perform specialized examinations and testing to determine the underlying cause.
How Is ALS Diagnosed?
There is no single test that confirms ALS.
Doctors may use several evaluations, including:
- Neurological examination
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Nerve conduction studies
- MRI scans
- Blood tests
- Pulmonary function tests
These tests also help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Living With ALS
Although there is currently no cure, treatments can help slow disease progression in some people, manage symptoms, improve comfort, and maintain quality of life.
Care often involves a multidisciplinary team that may include:
- Neurologists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Respiratory specialists
- Nutrition experts
Early diagnosis allows patients to access these supportive treatments sooner.
