Charcot’s disease: this very first sign ignored by Eric Dane who should push to consult according to a doctor
In April, Eric Dan, an actor best known for his role as Mark Sloane in Grey’s Anatomy made a sad announcement. At 52, he learned to be touched by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in other words Charcot’s disease. A serious and disabled degenerative pathology, which results in a progressive paralysis of the muscles. In an American interview two days ago, he revealed what the first symptom had been …
A first sign of very discreet disease, and yet
Indeed, 18 months before being diagnosed with Charcot’s disease, man without apparent problem, felt a difference in one of his hands:
“I started to feel weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think about it at that time. I thought maybe I had sent too much texts, or my hand was tired”.
A light sign that he quickly ignores. But a few months later, the actor notices that this symptom has worsened a little and decides to consult. A way of the cross begins: “I went to see a specialist in hands, who sent me to another hand specialist. I went to see a neurologist, and the neurologist sent me to another neurologist, who said:” It was well above my skills “.
Finally, 9 months later, the difficult diagnosis fell. And Eric Dane has to face the progress of the disease. Today he confides that his right arm “has Completely stopped working “. “I want to continue to live, to move forward, even differently. I refuse to let myself be defined by the disease” he testifies all the same on the verge of tears.
Charcot disease: these signs that should alert you
By sharing his experience, Eric Dane delivers important information: the index that marked his change. “”Weakness in one hand can actually be an early sign of Charcot’s disease“”,, Confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency artist and medical director of True Medical. This is one of the first possible symptoms of this rare neurodegenerative pathology.
The doctor teaches us that one of the characteristic elements of the AL is precisely its asymmetrical beginning: “The first signs generally affect only one side of the body. This initial asymmetry, which can concern a hand, an arm or a leg, constitutes an important index in the diagnostic orientation “.
The initial symptoms are also essentially muscular. They may include:
- Cramps;
- Fasciculations (small involuntary jerks of a muscle);
- A localized weakness;
- Progressive muscle melting.
A slow but characteristic evolution
The weakness appears first in a precise region, without pain, then extends gradually. “”This evolutionary table – weakness, muscle cast, fasciculations – must alert, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen over time ” supports our expert.
Obviously, an isolated weakness with one hand most often has a benign origin pursues the doctor: fatigue, stress, nervous compression, tendonitis … “But some signs must lead to consult “. Notably :
- A weakness that lasts several weeks without improvement;
- An extension to other areas of the body;
- The presence of fasciculations or cramps;
- And above all the absence of pain, which is typical of SLA.
“Also be careful to think of the signs of stroke when a weakness appears on one side of the body!” Rcalls the expert.
Do not miss a diagnosis
The diagnosis of SLA remains complex and can be delayed by several months, as the first symptoms are often subtle. In front of any persistent and unexplained muscle weakness, especially if it is accompanied by fasciculations, it is essential to consult a neurologist.
Finally, specifies Dr. Kierzek, you should not dramatize unnecessarily: in the majority of cases, an isolated weakness with one hand has nothing to do with SLA. “But if it persists or worsens, a medical opinion is essential to understand the cause and dismiss any serious pathology”.