SYMPTOMS
There are three phases of motor neuron disease: early, middle, and advanced. Symptoms associated with each phase include:
Early phase symptoms
Symptoms emerge slowly in the early phases and can be confused with those of other illnesses. The symptoms vary, depending on the type and location of the disease in the body.
The legs, arms, respiratory system, or mouth are the most common sites for symptoms to appear. They are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Stumbling and clumsiness
- Cramps, muscle pains, and twitches
- Weakness in the legs and arms
- Weight loss
- Trouble swallowing
- Weakening grip
- Undesirable emotional reactions such as crying or laughing
- Slurred speech
Middle phase symptoms
The early signs of the disease persist and worsen as the disease progresses. People may also have the following symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Problems with swallowing
- Emotional state
- Trouble moving
- Muscle shrinkage
- Breathing problems
- Unmanageable yawning
- Changes in behavior
Advanced phase symptoms
A person with advanced motor neuron illness will eventually require assistance to walk, eat, or breathe. Also, the disease can become life-threatening. The most frequent reason is breathing issues.