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Symptoms

Symptoms. Early signs of ALS may include: Stiffness in muscles Impaired speech Difficulty swallowing Difficulty in preforming tasks that require small movement using fingers and hands Muscle cramps Twitching or spasms of muscles. Progression of ALS. Middle stages: Muscles:

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Symptoms

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  1. Symptoms • Early signs of ALS may include: • Stiffness in muscles • Impaired speech • Difficulty swallowing • Difficulty in preforming tasks that require small movement using fingers and hands • Muscle cramps • Twitching or spasms of muscles

  2. Progression of ALS Middle stages: Muscles: Some muscles may be paralyzed or very weak. Other muscles may not be affected. Physical affects: Unused muscles may become rigid, painful and sometime deformed. If a fall occurs one may not be able to get back up without assistant. Swallowing becomes difficult due to weakened muscle. Choking occurs often. Difficulty in breathing First stage Muscles: Muscles may be weak, soft, stiff or tight. Muscle twitching and cramping occurs. Muscle tone and bulk is lost. Physical affects: Fatigue, loss in balance, slurred words, weak grip, having troubles walking

  3. Last stage: Muscles: Most muscles are paralyzed Muscles that move air in and out of the lungs are severally compressed Physical effects: Mobility is extremely limited and help is needed for most personal needs Fatigue, fuzzy thinking, headaches, and pneumonia Speech, eating or drinking may not be possible At the end: A large majority of ALS deaths are caused by respiratory failure. Medications can relieve discomfort, and anxiety. Palliative care is able to assist and help if needed

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