Stephen Hawking Dies At The Age Of 76: Know The Early Symptoms Of Motor Neuron Disease

The brightest scientist of this age, Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76, his family reported. Professor Hawking who was termed as one of the brightest and most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein passed away on what would be the 139th birthday of Albert Einstein. While he sought to explain the most complicated questions of the world, from the origin of the universe to the prospect of time travel, he lived under the shadow of what likely is a premature death. In 1963, he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and was given only two years to live. But Professor Hawking went on to be a researcher at the University of Cambridge. But the power of his disease, which he contracted at 21, could not impact the strength of his intellect.

While most of the people with Lou Gehrig's disease (also known as motor neuron disease and ALS) are diagnosed around after their middle ages, and die within the span of next five years, Hawking proves to be an exception, surviving 45 years with the illness while being diagnosed in his early twenties. So what is Lou Gehrig's disease and what are the early onsets of it? Don't worry we've got you all covered.

What is motor neuron disease?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's or motor neuron disease), is a progressive neurological disease, that destroys nerve cells and causes disability. It is characterized by stiff muscles which decrease in size overtime and causes difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and finally breathing. There is no known cure for ALS, though medications can help extend the lifetime by two to three months.

It is caused due to the degeneration and death of motor neurons (the nerve cells that carry signals from the brain to the spinal cord and then to the muscles). This disables the brain from controlling voluntary and involuntary movements which finally results in death.

How can we recognize this disease?

Motor neuron diseases are difficult to be diagnosed. They are often mistaken for other mimicking diseases such as cervical spine disease, Lyme disease, HIV AIDS and carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Early symptoms can be very easily overlooked but they include:
• Stumbling due to weakening leg muscles
• Difficulty in holding objects in hand
•  Slurring of speech or difficulties in swallowing
• Cramps and muscle twitching

As said earlier, the disease is a progressive one and the symptoms may continue to grow into:

• Breathing difficulties because of decreased lung capacity
• Fatigue caused by muscle exhaustion, weight loss and reduced food intake
• Insomnia caused by discomfort
• Pain from stiff joints and muscles
• Excessive secretion of saliva
• Dry mouth or breathing problems
• Excessive laughing or crying due to damage to the upper motor neurones
• Some pain or discomfort

What is the diagnosis?

There are a number of tests that can be taken for the proper diagnoses of the disease:

Blood tests to look for a rise in a creatine kinase, which is produced when muscle breaks down.

Nerve conduction studies (NCS): This records the activity of the muscles when the nerves are stimulated by electrical impulses.

Though it is extremely rare in kids, ALS can strike anyone.

We don't have a cure for it as of yet but we know the most about it than ever before. As the scientists continue to learn more, it is a matter of time, till we discover a way to cure the illness.

RIP to the most brilliant theoretical physicist after Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking!