Eric Dane was diagnosed with ALS in April this year. The former Grey’s Anatomy star noticed the first symptoms a year ago, but he couldn’t believe it was possible that he had ALS. Now, a doctor shares warning signs you should take seriously that could signal the horrifying disease.
Eric Dane was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in April this year. In a statement to People Magazine at the time, he said, “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,”.
Dane has been spotted some times since the ALS diagnosis was announced. Just days ago, he was seen out with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and daughter Georgia. Dane, sitting in a wheelchair, was with his wife and 13-year-old daughter at a sushi restaurant in West Hollywood. The couple also has a 15-year-old daughter, Billie.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Eric Dane ASL diagnosis
Eric Dane has been outspoken about his diagnosis, and in June, while appearing on Good Morning America, he revealed the first symptoms he felt. In the beginning, however, he didn’t think much about it.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” Eric Dane explained. “I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later I noticed it had gotten a little worse, so I went and saw a hand specialist, and he sent me to another hand specialist.”
The actor continued, “I went and saw a neurologist and they sent me to another neurologist and said this is way above [his] pay grade.”
The search for answers took nine months. Then, Dane was diagnosed with ALS. A year after the first symptoms had been noticed by him, the 52-year-old said, “I have one functioning arm, my dominant side is [my right], my left side is functioning, my right side is completely stopped working.”
Dane concluded. “My left arm is going, I feel like a couple few more months and I wont have my left either, it is sobering.”
Early symptoms of ALS
The ALS Association states that life expectancy following a diagnosis of ALS is about three years. As of today, there is no cure. The harrowing disease affects the nerve cells and brain, and as of today, it’s not one hundred percent clear why certain people develop the illness and others don’t.
So, what should one look out for as early signs? Per the ALS Association, initial symptoms can be “quite varied,” as one person may experience trouble with grasping a pen while others “experience a change in vocal pitch when speaking.”
“The progression rate of ALS can be quite variable, as well. Symptoms can begin in the muscles that control speech and swallowing or in the hands, arms, legs or feet. Not all people with ALS experience the same symptoms or the same sequences or patterns of progression. However, progressive muscle weakness and paralysis are universally experienced,” the ALS Association website reads.
“A gradual onset of progressive muscle weakness – which is generally painless – is the most common initial symptom of ALS. Other early symptoms vary but can include tripping, dropping things, abnormal fatigue of the arms and/or legs, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitches and uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying. When the breathing muscles become affected, people with the disease will ultimately need permanent ventilatory support to assist with breathing:”
Doctor shares “common early signs”
It concluded, “Since ALS attacks only motor neurons, the senses of sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell aren’t affected. For many people, muscles of the eyes and bladder are generally not affected.”
Speaking with Unilad, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, stated that people often could mix early symptoms of ALS with something that isn’t as serious.
One of the “common early signs,” he explained, is hand weakness, which can “easily be mistaken for more recognized health issues.”
“Often, people attribute this symptom to fatigue, overuse injuries or age-related muscle stiffness. It may also be mistaken for poor circulation or a pinched nerve,” Dr. Donald Grant said.
“ALS begins as a subtle weakness, without any pain, making it easy to overlook or mistake for other conditions. Anyone who experiences persistent weakness in one hand, especially if it interferes with daily tasks, should seek medical advice from their GP, who can provide more tailored advice.”
“Once ALS has developed, general symptoms include progressive muscle weakness, which can spread to different parts of the body,” he continued, concluding that difficulties walking and other daily activities could be more challenging. “Interestingly, while the body is experiencing widespread changes, most people maintain full cognitive function throughout the course of ALS.”
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