ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons involved in controlling muscle movement. If you are looking for symptoms of ALS on Google and realize you are worried about it, you are not alone. Random muscle pain, cramps, and abnormal body sensations are bothersome, but are usually not a serious indication. Explore our blog, learn about signs that you do not have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and feel at ease.
6 Rest assured, there’s a good chance you don’t have ALS
Look for these common signs that do not match ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
1.Experience tingling and numbness
- Though sensations of tingling and numbness can be wary, there are rare signs of ALS.
- These symptoms are related to problems related to anxiety, vitamin deficiency, and pinch nerves, and are not motor neuronal diseases.
2. There is muscle cramps without weakness
- In ALS, muscle convulsions are not only convulsions, but also muscle weakness, loss of function, and shrinkage.
- However, it can also occur due to other factors, such as nerve damage, stress, dehydration, infection, and metabolic issues.
3. Don’t lose the strength of your arms and legs
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) usually causes progressive (continuous) weakness in one limb, foot, or hand.
- If you can walk normally, hold objects and perform tasks every day without feeling weak, it is a positive sign.
4. Your symptoms are not worsening
- Symptoms of ALS worsen over time.
- However, if the symptoms remain the same or improve, this is another strong indication that you are not dealing with ALS.
5. Anxiety-driven symptoms occur
- Anxiety can mimic some physical problems, such as muscle cramps, chest tension, muscle tension, and fatigue. However, ALS is not caused or exacerbated by anxiety.
- These symptoms are often associated with increased recognition and reactivity in the nervous system.
6. You may have pain or joint problems
- Sometimes ALS can cause muscle convulsions, but it does not cause pain or joint problems.
- If you experience sharp shooting or joint pain, it may be much easier to manage, not due to neurological conditions.
Other medical conditions that mimic ALS
Having ALS-related symptoms does not mean that you have this disorder. It can mimic other medical problems that share the same symptoms. These conditions are as follows:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Benign bundle syndrome
- Spinobulbar muscle atrophy
- Inclusion body myositis (IBM)
Therefore, an appropriate diagnosis is required to determine the exact condition. Doctors can assist with blood tests, urine tests, neuroconductivity research, or MRI for a proper diagnosis.
What can cause ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)?
The following factors may contribute to ALS:
- Genetics: Approximately 10% Cases are genetically caused by genetic mutations (meaning a state that works in the family).
- Environmental factors: Exposure to heavy metals, physical trauma, or viruses can potentially be a cause.
Risk factors for ALS include:
- year: You are more likely to experience symptoms between the ages of 55 and 75.
- Race and Ethnicity: White (non-Hispanic) populations are prone to developing ALS.
- Sex: the study This shows that men are more likely to obtain ALS than women. That’s because they are exposed to environmental factors.
- Military Veterans: Military veterans can be at increased risk as they are exposed to physical injuries and environmental factors.
Potential early signs of ALS
If you want to know if you have ALS, look for these ALS symptoms checklists.
- Muscle weakness (inside legs, neck, arms)
- Muscle convulsions
- Hard muscles
- Twitch in the feet, hands, shoulders, or tongue
- Speech tasks (for example, problems with word formation and word slur)
- Involuntary expression of emotions (such as crying or laughing)
- Fatigue
- Drooning
- Difficulty swallowing
These symptoms occur mildly, but become more severe. The progression of symptoms varies from person to person. If you notice symptoms, report it to your doctor.
Complications related to ALS
ALS can lead to the next complication, which can affect your quality of life, but in some cases it can be life-threatening. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Potential complications include:
- Breathing problems, It may lead to respiratory failure if ventilation assistance is required or if it is severe.
- Difficulty in swallowing and eating; It is difficult to eat, swallow or drink saliva.
- Communication problems, It leads to difficulty in shaping words and forming obscure speeches.
- Movement and muscle weakness, It makes it difficult to walk, stand, move your limbs and sit without support.
- Fatigue and muscle tension (spasm) It creates challenges when carrying out daily activities.
- Mental health issues anxiety and depression, etc.
- Other complications Include weight loss, pressure pain, or frontotemporal dementia.
Note: If left untreated, ALS can lead to these complications. This is fatal. Therefore, see a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
When will you see the doctor?
In your case, seek medical help:
- Face challenges when performing your daily routine.
- Please note that your symptoms are getting worse.
- It cannot be moved independently.
- Experience the side effects of treatment.
ALS can cause difficulty breathing, so talk to your provider immediately if you experience the following:
- Even while resting, I can’t breathe
- A weak cough
- Excessive saliva
- Difficulty in clearing the lungs and throat
- I can’t lie flat
- Repeated chest infection
Note: If you have difficulty breathing, contact emergency services.
Treatment Options for ALS
There is no treatment for ALS, but the symptoms can be managed through the following treatment options:
medicine:
- Riluzole: It reduces damage caused to motor neurons and extends survival up to several months.
- Edaravone: It slows disease progression and increases survival time.
- Sodium Phenylbutylate/Taurulsodiol: Reduces progression of ALS symptoms
- Tofersen: Reduces damage caused to neurons.
Treatment:
- Physical Therapy: For example, walking or aerobic exercise that helps maintain mobility, manage fluid retention, and reduce pain.
- Occupational Therapy: It helps you learn the techniques and strategies for traveling using assistive devices such as walkers, braces, and wheelchairs.
- Speech Therapy: Strengthen communication strategies and swallowing techniques.
- Nutritional support: Wallow excludes difficult foods and ensures a balanced diet that contains soft foods that provide ample fiber, calories and liquids.
- Respiratory therapy: Manage breathing difficulties through ventilator support or respiratory aids.
How does ALS relate to Lou Gehrig, the baseman of American baseball?
- Lou Gehrig is a baseman in New York’s professional baseball team, whose career was interrupted when he was diagnosed with ALS.
- He was diagnosed in 1938 when the illness was 2,130. Two years later, he died in 1941, and cases of the disease continued to rise for 56 years.
- After his death, ALS was also known as “The Disease of Lou Gehrig.”
total
Signs of not having ALS include experiencing weakness, tingling and numbness, anxiety-driven symptoms, pain, normal strength, and muscle convulsions without worsening symptoms. However, if symptoms worsen over time, if you feel weak, or have difficulty speaking or breathing, consult your doctor immediately. Do not self-diagnose. Peace of mind often comes from talking to experts. You can talk to a neurologist online or get a second opinion to soothe your mind. Many symptoms that can be scary can be explained easily by a doctor.
FAQ
How do you feel about living with ALS?
It feels like you’re losing control of your muscles that help you breathe, walk, swallow and talk.
Can ALS start with breathing issues?
ALS starts with muscle weakness, but can also start with difficulty breathing. This can affect quality of life and survival.
Is ALS 100% deadly?
Yes, it’s fatal. Some people live for 2-5 years after diagnosis, while others survive for a long time. There is no cure for this disease.
Do you cough a lot with ALS?
Yes, you cough permanently due to weak airway muscles, which makes it difficult to cough hard to clean your airways.
Does ALS cause frequent urination?
Yes, that’s right. This occurs due to progression of ALS, affecting bladder control, leading to urinary retention and urinary urgency and difficult symptoms.
