When to Seek Medical Care

At onset, the signs and symptoms of ALS are often very subtle. They can be vague and nonspecific. This means that they could be caused by many different conditions, not necessarily a motor neuron disease.

• Any progressive difficulty in carrying out a normal activity such as walking, writing, or swallowing, warrants an evaluation by your doctor.

• Occasional clumsiness or muscle cramping is not unusual and does not mean that you have ALS.