ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is characterised by muscle weakness, wasting, and eventually, paralysis. It is estimated that up to 10% of ALS cases are familial, meaning they are inherited, while the remaining 90% are sporadic, meaning they occur without a known cause.
The average time between the onset of ALS symptoms and diagnosis is typically 3-5 years. Unfortunately, many people remain undiagnosed for much longer. In some cases, the signs and symptoms of ALS can be so subtle or mild that they go unnoticed for a long time. In other cases, the symptoms can be misdiagnosed as something else, delaying diagnosis even further.
The exact duration of time that someone can have ALS without knowing it is difficult to determine. In general, the longer that ALS symptoms go undiagnosed, the more severe the condition is likely to become. As the disease progresses, more of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are affected, leading to further muscle weakness and paralysis.
It is important for anyone who is experiencing any signs or symptoms of ALS to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for those living with ALS.