What is an early manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

Weakness of the distal extremities is recognized as an early manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This condition primarily affects motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. In the context of ALS, the degeneration of these motor neurons leads to muscle weakness, initially noticeable in the distal regions of the limbs, such as the hands and feet. Patients may experience difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or writing, due to this weakness.

While other symptoms, such as loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and tremors, may also be associated with ALS as the disease progresses, they tend to appear later in the course of the illness. Distal extremity weakness serves as one of the more immediate and recognizable signs that prompts further investigation into possible neurological disorders like ALS.