Those symptoms may indicate a stroke or another acute medical emergency rather than ALS.
## Can ALS Be Treated?
There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatment can help slow disease progression in some people, manage symptoms, and preserve function and quality of life.
Care may involve a multidisciplinary team including:
* Neurologists
* Physical therapists
* Occupational therapists
* Speech and swallowing specialists
* Respiratory specialists
* Nutrition professionals
Certain disease-modifying medications are available, including treatments targeted to specific genetic forms of ALS. For example, tofersen is approved for ALS associated with certain SOD1 mutations. ([NINDS][3])
## The Bottom Line
The earliest signs of Lou Gehrig’s disease often involve a **progressive loss of muscle function** rather than general pain or numbness.
Possible early symptoms include:
* Hand or arm weakness
* Foot or leg weakness
* Frequent tripping
* Muscle twitching
* Muscle cramps
* Slurred speech
* Difficulty swallowing
* Muscle wasting
* Stiffness
* Changes in emotional expression
