Grey Anatomy star Eric Dane battles ALS: Why we must not ignore numbness in hands and legs

“Sometimes symptoms overlap with other nerve conditions and could delay diagnosis. Therefore, one must consult a neurologist for any nerve complaint or whenever they feel a flickering in the muscles,” he advises.

What is ALS?

It’s a type of progressive motor neuron disease that affects the nerves controlling muscle movement. Over time, the nerves that send signals from the brain to the muscles are damaged. This causes the muscles to become weak, and slowly, a person may lose the ability to move parts of their body. It often begins with small signs like weakness in a hand, leg, or arm, but it gradually worsens and can affect speaking, swallowing, and even breathing.

What causes ALS? Who is most vulnerable?
ALS usually affects people between the ages of 45 and 70, though it can happen earlier in cases of juvenile motor neuron disease. In most cases, there is no clear cause. Only a small percentage of people inherit it from a parent. The condition is rare and I see one, maybe two patients in a year. In India, it affects five in 100,000 people. ALS is mostly seen in men, very rarely in women.

What about diagnosis?

This is most important as we have to be very sure that the condition is not a side effect of other diseases. In those cases, a movement disorder is curable. ALS isn’t. A nerve conduction test and electromyography (EMG) can help in diagnosis.

Can ALS be treated?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure yet. However, doctors can help manage the symptoms and slow down how quickly the disease progresses. Medicines like Riluzole and Edaravone can slow disease progression and extend survival. Physical therapy can help keep the muscles working for longer, and speech therapy becomes useful when talking or swallowing becomes difficult. As breathing muscles weaken, special equipment can help ease breathing. Wheelchairs, communication devices and feeding tubes can help maintain independence.

Emotional and psychological support is also important, both for the person with ALS and their loved ones. The journey may be tough but many people facing ALS show incredible strength and courage as they manage this condition.