ALS: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive disease in which the nerve cells that move the muscles are gradually lost. It can start with painless weakness in a hand or foot, muscle twitching and difficulty speaking or swallowing. There is no cure, but medicines and multidisciplinary support improve quality and length of life.
Which doctor should I see for ALS?
For ALS you can first see: Neurology. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of ALS?
- Painless weakness in a hand or foot that gradually gets worse
- Muscle wasting and widespread twitching
- Difficulty doing up buttons or holding a pen
- Dragging a foot, frequent tripping
- Slurred speech and difficulty swallowing
- Breathlessness at a later stage
What causes ALS?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1The exact cause is unknown
- 2A small proportion of cases are familial with gene changes
- 3Age and male sex increase the risk
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is there breathlessness or breathlessness when lying down
- Is there frequent choking and weight loss from being unable to swallow
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Note where the weakness started and how it is progressing.
- Muscle twitching alone is mostly harmless; see a neurologist if weakness comes with it.
- After diagnosis, ask about physiotherapy, speech-swallowing therapy and nutritional support.
See a doctor if
- For painless, gradually worsening muscle weakness
- For twitching together with muscle wasting
- For newly started difficulty speaking or swallowing
How long does it last and how is it treated?
ALS is progressive and does not go away. Medicines that slow progression, breathing support, nutritional support and physiotherapy maintain quality of life. The speed of the disease varies greatly from person to person.
Treatment options for ALS
See how each treatment is done, how long it takes and which doctors offer it in your city. Your doctor will decide which option suits you after an examination.
Who gets ALS?
- Most often people aged 50–70
- Slightly more common in men
- People with ALS in the family
How is it diagnosed?
There is no single diagnostic test. Neurological examination and EMG are the key tests; MRI and blood tests are done to rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as a neck disc, thyroid disease and vitamin deficiency.
Can it be prevented?
- There is no known way to prevent it.
Find a neurologist in your city
Neurologists in Turkish cities who can help with ALS.
People also describe it as
- “My hand has become weak and my muscles twitch”
- “My muscles are wasting”
- “I can’t do up my buttons”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for ALS?
For ALS you can first see: Neurology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of ALS?
Common symptoms: painless weakness in a hand or foot that gradually gets worse; muscle wasting and widespread twitching; difficulty doing up buttons or holding a pen; dragging a foot, frequent tripping; slurred speech and difficulty swallowing; breathlessness at a later stage. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes ALS?
The most common causes: the exact cause is unknown; a small proportion of cases are familial with gene changes; age and male sex increase the risk. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does ALS last and how is it treated?
ALS is progressive and does not go away. Medicines that slow progression, breathing support, nutritional support and physiotherapy maintain quality of life. The speed of the disease varies greatly from person to person.
Who gets ALS?
It is more common in: most often people aged 50–70; slightly more common in men; people with ALS in the family.
How is ALS diagnosed?
There is no single diagnostic test. Neurological examination and EMG are the key tests; MRI and blood tests are done to rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as a neck disc, thyroid disease and vitamin deficiency.
Can ALS be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent it.
Which doctor treats ALS?
See neurology; diagnosis and follow-up are ideally done at ALS or neuromuscular disease centres.
Is muscle twitching a sign of ALS?
Twitching alone is very common and is mostly a harmless result of tiredness, caffeine or stress. In ALS, twitching comes with muscle weakness and wasting.
When is ALS an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there breathlessness or breathlessness when lying down?” “Is there frequent choking and weight loss from being unable to swallow?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for ALS?
See a doctor: for painless, gradually worsening muscle weakness; for twitching together with muscle wasting; for newly started difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.