# Lou Gehrig’s Disease: Early Symptoms of ALS You Should Know

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as **ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease**, is a progressive neurological condition that damages the motor neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.

ALS can be difficult to recognize in its early stages because symptoms may begin subtly and can resemble many other conditions. Early signs often involve **progressive muscle weakness, twitching, cramping, clumsiness, speech changes, or difficulty swallowing**. ([Mayo Clinic][1])

Having one of these symptoms does **not** mean someone has ALS. Diagnosis requires a neurological examination and testing to rule out other possible causes.

## 1. Increasing Weakness in One Hand or Arm

ALS may begin with weakness in a single limb.

A person might notice that they:

* Drop objects more often
* Have difficulty turning keys
* Struggle to button clothing
* Cannot grip objects as firmly
* Have trouble writing or using utensils

The weakness typically becomes progressively more noticeable rather than appearing once and disappearing. Hand weakness and clumsiness are among recognized early symptoms of ALS. ([Mayo Clinic][1])

## 2. Weakness in the Foot, Ankle, or Leg