Symptom 5: Muscle Cramps and Twitching: Unwanted Guests
Muscle cramps and twitching, often dismissed as the product of an active day or dehydration, might in fact serve as an early warning of ALS. These muscular anomalies might show up in any part of the body but are commonly noticed in the arms, shoulders, and tongue.
Cramping, characterized by sudden, involuntary muscle contractions, might become a frequent visitor, bringing along its companion, muscle twitching, known scientifically as fasciculations. Fasciculations in ALS are often subtle and might initially be noticeable only when the body is at rest.
You may experience these cramps and twitches as benign nuisances initially. However, as time progresses, their persistence could hint at something more serious than merely overworked muscles or an electrolyte imbalance. Pay attention to their frequency, intensity, and location. Are they mainly in one area or spread out?
As motor neurons degenerate in ALS, they can send out abnormal signals leading to these involuntary contractions and movements. Although these symptoms could be tied to other conditions, persistent cramps and twitching might warrant a more in-depth look, particularly if accompanied by other ALS symptoms. (5)
