Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of ALS, and the order in which they occur, vary from one person to another and may seem trivial or be dismissed as normal signs of aging. It is important to note that not everyone will experience all of the signs and symptoms listed below.

Potential signs and symptoms

  • Tripping
  • Dropping things
  • Slurred or “thick” speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased muscle tone
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased or decreased reflexes
  • Uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying
  • Feeling weak
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle cramping or twitching
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing when eating or drinking
  • Difficulty forming words or projecting voice
  • Fatigue caused by muscle exhaustion
  • Reduced food intake and weight loss
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive saliva or dry mouth
  • Tripping
  • Dropping things
  • Slurred or “thick” speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased muscle tone
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased or decreased reflexes
  • Uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying

The senses of sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell are usually not affected, and for many people, muscles that control the eyes, bladder and sexual function remain functional.

Sources

ALS Association http://als.org/index.php?page=about_als&sub=symptoms

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