Where does ALS usually start? Does ALS come on suddenly?

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs. Then it spreads to other parts of the body. The onset of ALS may be so subtle that symptoms are overlooked or misread.

The earliest symptoms may include muscle weakness, muscle twitches (fasciculations), cramps and/or tight and stiff muscles (spasticity), muscle loss and/or atrophy, and slurred and nasal speech.

The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but about 10% of cases are inherited, while the rest are sporadic. There is no cure for ALS and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2 to 4 years.

The diagnosis of ALS is based on the signs and symptoms of upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, as well as tests to rule out other conditions.

The risk of developing ALS increases with age and is higher for men than women. ALS can affect any part of the body, but it often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.