Renowned Hollywood actor Eric Dane has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease. In an interview on Good Morning America, the actor spoke candidly about his condition, sharing that ALS has completely paralysed one side of his body.

Dane recalled that the first signs appeared about a year and a half ago, when he experienced weakness in his right arm. At the time, he dismissed it as fatigue or overuse, perhaps from texting too much. However, as the weakness persisted and worsened, he sought medical advice. Following a specialist examination, he was diagnosed with ALS.

'My left side is working, but my right side is completely stopped working'. says the actor.

However, Eric makes it clear that he has no intention of staying away from films. He does not think this is his end. He will try to fight as much as possible. But there are many things beyond his control, Eric adds.

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare and fatal neurological disorder that progressively attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. Over time, this leads to total muscle paralysis and the eventual inability to speak, eat, move, or breathe independently.

According to the Mayo Clinic, early symptoms may include muscle twitching, limb weakness, and slurred speech. The disease typically starts in the hands or feet and gradually spreads to other parts of the body. As more nerve cells are destroyed, patients lose critical motor functions such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing.

While there is no known cure for ALS, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Most patients live three to five years after diagnosis, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, though some, like physicist Stephen Hawking, have lived for decades with the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ALS vary depending on the individual and which neurons are affected. Common symptoms include difficulty walking, difficulty performing daily tasks, frequent falls, weakness in the legs, slurred speech, muscle spasms, and behavioural changes.

It starts in the hands and feet and spreads to other parts of the body. More nerve cells get destroyed. This affects functions such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Although pain is not noticeable in the early stages of ALS, pain gradually begins to be felt.