'Euphoria' Actor Eric Dane Opens Up About ALS Diagnosis; What Is Lou Gehrig’s Disease?

Well-known actor who starred in 'Euphoria' and 'Grey's Anatomy' has been diagnosed with the debilitating Lou Gehrig's Disease. Lou Gehrig's Disease aka ALS is a neurological condition with severe symptoms. Read on to know more.

Hollywood actor Eric Dane, the starrer of Euphoria and Grey's anatomy has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The 52-year-old actor said to media, "I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter."

"I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time."

What is ALS? It is a neurological disorder that majorly affect the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is a debilitati8ng diseases and as it progresses, it causes loss of muscles control in the bo0dy, breathing control, eating problems and can also lead to dementia. After a patient is diagnosed with this disease, he or she may live for three years with the disease and according to the ALS association, some people live for decades too.

Others who have battled ALS include Stephen Hawking; Yankees player Lou Gehrig, who died in 1941; "SpongeBob SquarePants" creator Stephen Hillenburg; and Jon Stone, the creator "Sesame Street."

All About ALS Or Lou Gehrig's disease

Lou Gehrig's disease, medically known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. As these motor neurons gradually deteriorate and die, individuals lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. The disease is named after the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with ALS in 1939. While the exact cause of ALS remains largely unknown, about 5 10% of cases are inherited. There is currently no cure, but certain medications and therapies can help slow its progression and improve quality of life.

Symptoms of ALS

Know the early symptoms:

• Muscle twitching
• Muscle weakness especially in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Slurred or nasal speech
• Clumsiness or tripping
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weak grip or trouble lifting objects

Know the progressive symptoms:

• Inability to move arms, legs, or body voluntarily
• Loss of coordination and motor control
• Muscle cramps and stiffness
• Difficulty walking or performing daily tasks
• Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
• Weight loss and muscle wasting (atrophy)