ALS: What Is It And What Are Its Symptoms?

By Vanshika Gaur
02 May 2025, 11:00 IST

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a condition where brain and spinal cord neurons progressively degenerate and die, disrupting the brain's ability to send signals to the muscles. Here are a few symptoms of ALS you should know. Tap to read!

Trouble Swallowing

ALS weakens the mouth and throat muscles, making it difficult to chew or swallow, increasing the risk of choking.

Fatigue

This condition also causes fatigue and persistent tiredness, due to weakening of the muscles.

Muscle Twitching

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can cause muscle twitching (involuntary muscle contraction) in the arms and legs, causing uncomfortable sensations.

Stiff Muscles

Over time, it can cause the muscles to become stiff and tight, making them difficult to relax, and leading to pain and discomfort,

Impaired Speech

Due to weakened muscles, it becomes hard to speak and the speech may sound nasal or mumbled, making it hard to understand.

Mood Swings

ALS can also cause uncontrollable mood swings, such as constant crying, laughing, and other emotions.

Cramps

This condition can cause painful, involuntary muscle cramps that can occur suddenly at any time of the day.

Information Credits

This information is sourced from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist, if you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms.