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Lou Gehrig Disease - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
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Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Weakness often starts in one arm or leg and progresses to the other limbs. Muscles may atrophy or have cramps or twitches. Hands, arms, and legs can become clumsy and stiff. The person may have trouble swallowing, and speech may be slurred. ALS does not usually affect bowel and bladder control until late in the course of the disease.