Charcot’s disease, also known by the scientific name amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a serious neurological condition that progressively affects the muscles of the body.
It remains rare, but its early signs are often misunderstood or neglected, as they can resemble benign disorders.
In this article, we help you spot the early symptoms that deserve special attention.
 What is Charcot’s disease (ALS)?
Charcot’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, that is, the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movements.
It gradually causes:
Muscle weakness
Muscle loss
A loss of mobility
And in advanced cases, respiratory problems.
Note: This condition does not affect intellectual abilities or the five senses. Patients remain lucid.
The first symptoms that should not be ignored
Here are the most common early signs observed in people with Charcot’s disease:
1.  
 Unusual weakness in an arm or leg
You are having trouble with:
Climbing stairs?
Holding an object for a long time?
To write or to button a shirt?
This could be one of the first motor signals.
