The stages describe the progression of the condition.
In ALS, weakness gradually worsens as themotor neuronsin thespinal corddegenerate.
Your perception of your symptoms describes the effects of the disease.
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It will also discuss treatment and coping for each stage.
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What Are the Stages of ALS?
The two staging systems used in ALS are the Kings staging system and Milano-Torino staging (MiToS) system.
They are both considered useful for assessing results in ALS clinical trials.
Each focuses on different aspects of ALS.
The two systems include gradually worsening progression, acknowledging that some aspects of ALS might occur in varied sequences.
Each contains progressive stages that end in stage 5 (death).
Even with treatment, ALS stages progress in severity and do not improve.
The order in which different symptoms appear is not always consistent.
However, for most people with ALS, all of the symptoms will eventually develop.
Kings Staging System
Kings staging system includes five disease stages that define the physical effects of ALS.
The six stages are based on loss of function.
Spinal ALS is described as ALS that begins with symptoms involving the arms, legs, and trunk.
Usually, ALS involves both the bulbar and the spinal regionsalthough the sequence is not always consistent.
Each of these effects leads to physical weakness.
Upper motor neuron disease involves the brain and spinal cord and causesrigidity,spasms, and brisk motor reflexes.
Lower motor neuron disease causes floppy muscles andmuscle atrophy.
This combination is unusual in other neurological disorders and is a characteristic of ALS.
Treatment Based on ALS Symptoms
The treatment of ALS is based on symptoms, not stages.
At What Stage Is ALS Medication Recommended?
Each of these medications is approved for any stage of ALS.
They are expected to have the most benefit when they are started as soon as the condition is diagnosed.
Coping Through Each ALS Stage
The ALS stages are progressive and indicate worsening disease.
However, the symptoms do not always occur in a particular order.
You may also need some accommodations so that it’s possible for you to safely get around.
But the early stages are characterized by relatively preserved mobility and independence.
Mid Stages
In the mid stages of ALS, you will need assistance in getting around.
This may first involve a walker, and then you might need to use a wheelchair.
Late Stages
In late stages of ALS, eating and independent breathing are severely impaired.
Communication also becomes extremely limited.
During this stage you will need substantial assistance from caregivers, and you will need to usefeedingandbreathing devices.
You may also need to move to a location where you could have 24-hour availability of nursing care.
Summary
The Gold Coast criteria are used to determine whether a person has ALS.
Your healthcare providers will use these criteria if you have signs and symptoms of ALS.
A Word From Verywell
Getting a diagnosis of ALS can be overwhelming.
Knowing your stage and what is expected next can help you plan and prepare for your needs with ALS.
Frequently Asked Questions
ALS progresses quickly.
You may also notice that you are having difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing.
Sometimes ALS is described as spinal or bulbar based on the location of the initial symptoms.
ClinicalTrials.gov.Staging system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
