What it is
There is no cure, but medicine such as riluzole may slow it slightly.
A specialist team helps with mobility, speech, nutrition, breathing support and planning ahead.
Common signs
- Weakness in the ankle or leg, tripping
- Slurred speech
- Weak grip
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a neurologist
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG
- MRI scans and blood tests to rule out other conditions
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Neurology letters
- EMG reports
- Breathing test results
- Care plans and advance decisions
Questions to ask your doctor
- What support will we have from the specialist team?
- When should we think about breathing or feeding support?
- Should my family have genetic testing?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Choking or sudden difficulty breathing: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.