What are the first symptoms of ALS?

Early signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, include tripping and difficulty walking, clumsiness and weakness in the hands, slurring of speech and trouble swallowing, according to Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms include weakness in the legs, ankles and feet; muscle cramps; and twitching in the tongue, shoulders and arms.

Difficulty holding up the head or maintaining good posture are also early signs of ALS, as noted by Mayo Clinic. ALS generally begins in the limbs, feet or hands before spreading to other areas of the body. The muscles become weaker with the disease’s progression, eventually affecting speaking, swallowing, chewing and breathing.