Can ALS cause quadriplegia?

Yes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can cause quadriplegia.

ALS is a condition that causes gradual loss of muscle function. It can appear in various forms, including subtypes such as bulbar onset ALS. ALS affects neurons in the brain and spinal cord that affect muscle movement. People have previously referred to ALS as “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

Quadriplegia is a type of paralysis that causes a loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs. People may also refer to it as “tetraplegia.”

A 2018 article notes that ALS eventually progresses to functional quadriplegia. Similarly, a 2022 review suggests that paralysis in people with ALS begins subtly with localized muscle weakness, which spreads to involve most muscles.

However, a range of therapies are available to treat ALS symptoms. This includes medications that may help slow the progress of ALS, such as riluzole, edaravone, and sodium phenylbutyrate.

Other therapies include:

• physical therapy, which may help a person improve or maintain their mobility
• occupational therapy, which may help people develop or maintain the physical skills to do everyday tasks
• speech therapy, which may help people improve speaking and swallowing difficulties
• home ventilation therapy, which may involve respiratory therapy or mechanical ventilators to help with breathing difficulty
• nutrition support, which can help someone get the nutrients they need in their diet
• psychotherapy, which may help support a person’s mental health as they adapt to living with ALS

Healthcare professionals may also offer guidance for caregivers of people with ALS.

Eventually, individuals with ALS may also require end-of-life care. Sometimes, end-of-life care takes place in a hospice, but a person may also receive end-of-life care at home.

People with ALS may speak with a doctor to learn about which treatments may work best for them.