ALS symptoms to look out for after Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane reveals heartbreaking diagnosis

Following the news that Eric Dane has been diagnosed with ALS, many of his fans have been researching the symptoms of the condition that often go overlooked.

The 52-year-old Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star opened up about his health yesterday (10 April), telling PEOPLE that he's been 'grateful' to have his 'loving family' by his side.

Dane - who shares two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, with wife Rebecca Gayheart - added: "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week.

"I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time."

What is ALS?

ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a form of motor neurone disease whereby muscles in the arms and legs begin to weaken, which triggers mobility and spatial awareness issues.

The progressive neurodegenerative condition is also often called Lou Gehrig's disease, after the New York baseball player of the same name, who was diagnosed with it in 1939.

ALS tends to affect individuals aged between 40 and 70, but has been known to affect younger patients.

According to Hopkins Medicine, there are two main types of the condition: sporadic (the most common), whereby the symptoms emerge sporadically and without genetic or family history causes, or familial, where the condition is inherited through genetics.

The latter form of the ALS is considerably rarer, only affecting 10 percent of annual cases in the States.

In either case, however, it's important to note that brain function usually isn't impacted.

Sadly, like many degenerative diseases, there is currently no known cure for ALS - though, there are ways of managing the most common symptoms.

General muscle weakness is usually the first symptom (Toa55/Getty Images)

What are the symptoms of ALS?

Indicators of the disease can differ greatly from person to person, depending on which nerve calls inside the body are affected.

In the majority of cases, however, general muscle weakness is the earliest and most common symptom.

This could occur for a few days or weeks at a time before easing off, or last more consistently.

According to Hopkins Medicine, other symptoms of the condition can include, however:

• Cramping or twitching of muscles, particularly in the hands and feet.
• A lack of control of the hands and arms
• Difficulty manoeuvring legs and arms
• Stumbling or falling down
• Dropping items
• Uncontrollable laughing or crying

As the disease continues to progress, more serious symptoms - including slurred speech or difficulty swallowing - could become a factor.

And in the worst of cases, paralysis can occur.

Treatments are available for managing the symptoms (Nitat Termmee/Getty Images)

Living with the condition

While a cure isn't currently available, there are means of managing the symptoms of ALS.

Some medics might recommend the likes of physical or occupational therapies, or speech, respiratory, and nutritional therapies.

Medicines can also be used as a means of treating the muscle cramping caused by the condition, and general exercise to maintain muscle strength is advised.

In the more severe cases, mobility devices and wheelchairs may be encouraged.

Contacting your GP could see a tailor-made advice programme laid out for you and your family's needs.

You can find out more about motor neurone disease (MND) on the official NHS website here.

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