What are the symptoms of ALS?

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What are the symptoms of ALS?

At first, you may notice muscle weakness or stiffness:

  • Limb onset ALS is when the symptoms start in your legs or arms. For example, you may have hand weakness. Buttoning a shirt or writing might be difficult. Or you may notice leg symptoms. You may have trouble walking or frequently trip.
  • Bulbar onset is when the symptoms start with your speech or swallowing.

No matter where the symptoms begin, they soon spread to other parts of your body. As ALS progresses, symptoms include:

  • Muscle cramps and twitching, especially in the hands and feet.
  • Difficulty using your arms and legs.
  • Thick speech and difficulty projecting your voice.
  • Weakness and fatigue.
  • Weight loss.

When ALS gets more severe, symptoms can include:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing.
  • Inability to stand or walk independently.
  • Weight loss, since people with ALS burn calories at a faster rate.
  • Depression and anxiety, as people become aware of what’s happening to them.

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