Causes & Symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), The Disease Stephen Hawking Suffers From

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative condition which affects the brain and spinal cord of a person. ALS is a chronic disease that causes a lack of control of voluntary muscles.

The nerves controlling language, swallowing and limb motions are often affected. The corticospinal tract is a part of the brain made of nerve fibres. ALS damages the corticospinal tract and triggers spastic limb weakness.

Causes:
ALS can be categorized as either sporadic or inherited. According to research, genetics only causes ALS in approximately five to ten percent of cases. The onset of the signs of ALS typically happens between ages fifty and sixty, although symptoms may appear earlier.

Each year, a number of individuals are diagnosed with ALS. In addition, a large number of people are now living with the disorder. ALS affects individuals in all racial, social and economical groups.

Also Read: Symptoms Of The Famous ALS Disease

Both intermittent and familial ALS are correlated with a progressive lack of motor neurons. The signs of ALS depend on what regions of the nerve system are affected.

Symptoms:
Slurred speech, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing emotional instability, which is described by excessive emotional reactions like laughing or crying, a lack of tongue muscle shape, or tongue atrophy, excess saliva and difficulty in respiration are some of the symptoms.

Early symptoms are often found in particular parts of the body. As the condition develops, the symptoms usually spread to either side of the body. Cognitive impairment is a very common symptom of ALS. Behavioral changes may also occur without mental decline.

Emotional instability may appear in most ALS sufferers, even those without dementia. Inattention and slowed thinking are the most typical cognitive signals of ALS. ALS-related dementia may also occur if there is cell degeneration in the frontal lobe. ALS related dementia is more than likely to occur when there is a family history of dementia.

There is no particular test for ALS. The process of making an analysis may take anywhere from weeks to months. Your physician might start to suspect you have ALS if you have progressive neuromuscular decline.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.