Early Symptoms of ALS
- Twitching, Cramping, Muscle Stiffness
- Trouble with Balance, or detailed tasks (75% of cases) (McIlroy)
- Slurred Speech (25% of cases) (McIlroy)
- Muscle Weakness and Impairment of legs and arms
- ALS is noticeable after 58% of motor neurons die (McIlroy)
- Weakness is swallowing muscles may cause choking (MDA)
- Weakness in respiratory muscles may cause difficulty breathing (MDA)
- Standing up may be difficult alone (MDA)
- Cannot use limbs-complete loss of voluntary movement (McIlroy)
- Respiration becomes extremely difficult (MDA)
- Eating, drinking, talking becomes difficult (MDA)