Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane’s rare degenerative disease ALS explained as he reveals diagnosis

It was announced yesterday (10 April) that Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease, ALS.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Dane - who starred on the hit ABC medical drama as Dr Mark Sloan - shared: "I have been diagnosed with ALS."

The 52-year-old actor, who shares two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, with his wife Rebecca Gayheart, continued: "I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter."

Dane, who portrays the Jacobs family patriarch in the teen drama series which is set to begin production of the third season in a few days' time (14 April), 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."

But what is ALS, what does it stand for, and is there a cure?

What is ALS?

ALS - or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - is a type of motor neurone disease which sees muscle weakness in the arms and legs that can cause you to trip and drop things.

It is also often called Lou Gehrig's disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it.

Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane has opened up about his ALS diagnosis (Steve Granitz / Contributor / Getty Images)

What are the symptoms of ALS?

While symptoms of ALS differ from person to person, as they depend on which nerve cells are affected, ALS usually starts with muscle weakness that spreads and worsens as time goes on.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms might include:

• Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities.
• Tripping and falling.
• Weakness in the legs, feet or ankles.
• Hand weakness or clumsiness.
• Slurred speech or trouble swallowing.
• Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders and tongue.
• Untimely crying, laughing or yawning.
• Thinking or behavioural changes.

Dane starred as Dr Mark Sloan in the hit ABC medical drama (Ron Tom / Contributor / Getty Images)

What is the cause of ALS?

The Mayo Clinic explains that, for about 10 percent of people with ALS, a genetic cause can be identified.

However, for the rest, the cause is not known.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that although no one knows for sure, reports suggest that less than 30,000 people in the United States have ALS.

Is there a cure for ALS?

There is currently no cure for ALS, and people diagnosed with the condition usually live three to five years after diagnosis, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. However, with that said, some patients can live for decades.

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