Warning Signs Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Muscle Cramps And Twitches
Other symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are muscle cramps and twitches, also known as fasciculations. Cramps and twitches may be felt in the arms, legs, shoulders, and even the tongue, with the most noticed in the feet and hands. The muscle cramps are impulsive painful uncontrolled muscle contractions. These symptoms are not considered early signs of ALS, but specialists can test for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by taking a muscle and nerve biopsy or conducting electrodiagnostic tests to study the disorders of the muscles and motor neurons. The muscles may be weak, but the patient can still feel, taste, smell, and maintain their sight, as it is only the motor neurons affected by the disease.
It does not matter which part of the body a person experiences their first symptoms. As ALS progresses, it spreads to other areas of the body affecting swallowing, language, and breathing. If there is an early diagnosis, there are methods to slow down amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, keeping the patient safe and independent for a longer period.
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Trouble Holding The Head Up
Due to the weakness of the neck muscles, ALS patients may experience trouble holding up their head. They may also have difficulty in swallowing, which then poses a risk for choking. A study was completed from 1981 to 2000, in which 683 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients were diagnosed. Among these patients, only 1.3 percent of them were officially diagnosed with issues holding up their head. They had profound neck muscle weakness as an early sign, but others did not develop this symptom until the disease progressed further. If the dropping of the head is experienced as an early sign of ALS, it is noticed within the first two years of onset. However, this has to be tested thoroughly because other neuromuscular diseases also cause the dropped head.
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