Warning Signs Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Loss Of Dexterity

Loss of dexterity can indicate an individual has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. One mechanism responsible for this symptom is the muscle atrophy that occurs in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle atrophy is the medical term used to describe muscle wasting, the progressive loss of muscle tissue. Muscle atrophy happens in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis because the patient's nerves that control specific muscles have become too damaged. As a result, the nerves are unable to send signals that tell the muscles to contract. The affected muscle cannot be used if it is unable to contract, and the body begins to break down the tissues of that muscle in efforts to conserve energy. Particularly in the hands, this loss of muscle tissue can result in the patient's loss of dexterity or ability to perform physical functions with the affected muscles in the hands. Often times, an individual's ability to pick up small objects, button clothes, tie their shoes, and turn a key are lost.