Following Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane's diagnosis, a doctor has revealed the early signs of ALS and how they can often be mistaken for something else.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS, is a fatal type of motor neuron disease.
The progressively degenerative disease affects the nerve cells and brain. The average life expectancy following a diagnosis is around three years, says The ALS Association. Sadly, there is no cure for the condition.
Some may ask how people get ALS, but it isn't yet totally clear why certain individuals develop the devastating illness.
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Eric Dane was diagnosed with ALS in April, and he's been extremely candid about his health ever since.
One of the first subtle symptoms Dane experienced was weakness in his right hand, he told Good Morning America.
"I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time," the Euphoria actor shared.
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"I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later I noticed it had gotten a little worse so I went and saw a hand specialist and he sent me to another hand specialist."
It took nine months for Dane to be diagnosed with ALS.
In the update shared in June, the actor revealed the sad news that his right arm 'completely stopped working'.
In light of Dane's admission about him mistaking his initial symptoms for 'texting too much', Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, told UNILAD how people will often mix up the signs of ALS for something less serious.
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He explained: "Hand weakness, one of the common early signs of ALS, can easily be mistaken for more recognised health issues. Often, people attribute this symptom to fatigue, overuse injuries or age-related muscle stiffness. It may also be mistaken for poor circulation or a pinched nerve."
Dr Grant went on: "ALS begins as a subtle weakness, without any pain, making it easy to overlook or mistake for other conditions. Anyone who experiences persistent weakness in one hand, especially if it interferes with daily tasks, should seek medical advice from their GP, who can provide more tailored advice."
The healthcare expert also discussed general symptoms of ALS that people should be wary of, one being that walking becomes more difficult.
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"Once ALS has developed, general symptoms include progressive muscle weakness, which can spread to different parts of the body," warned Dr Grant. "Walking also becomes more difficult, and people may find it challenging to complete daily activities, speak or swallow. Interestingly, while the body is experiencing widespread changes, most people maintain full cognitive function throughout the course of ALS."
As there's no cure for the condition, doctors will typically prescribe medication that slows the progression of the condition, enhancing quality of life and making it easier to manage symptoms.
Those suffering from ALS may also be offered physical therapy.
Niamh Shackleton