ALS

SYMPTOMS

The main symptom of ALS is a decrease in muscle movement.  For example, if you were to pick up a pencil, your thumb would move or be as strong as it should be. Muscle weakness occurs in 60% of all patients. These muscle restrictions usually occur in the toes and feet, fingers and toes, and neck area to begin with.

A second main symptom is speech. Speech may take a lot of effort and it may be difficult to project your voice. Swallowing can be difficult too.

I have seen how ALS effects people first hand. I had a friend who had ALS and his facial muscles were one of the first things to feel the symptoms of this disease. His lower body was fine but his head always hung on his chest and his speech was very hard to understand. His name was Glenn Barney and he was my neighbor and a close friend of the family. It was sad to see him deteriorate to the point where he needed permanent life support. 

 Learn more about living with ALS here. 

 

 

 

 

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