Houston Methodist Neurologist Urges Early Attention to Subtle ALS Symptoms in Houston Area Communities
When something feels “off” physically, it’s easy to dismiss it — a weaker grip, unexplained fatigue, subtle voice changes. But for some families in Houston and surrounding communities, those early changes can signal something far more serious.
Following renewed public attention surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after the tragic passing of actor Eric Dane, a Houston Methodist neurologist is urging residents across the Greater Houston area not to ignore subtle symptoms that may appear minor at first.
Houston Methodist Specialist Highlights Early ALS Warning Signs
Dr. Susanne Gonzalez Gallardo, a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular medicine at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and a member of the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, says early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in care planning and quality of life.
“ALS often begins quietly,” Gonzalez Gallardo said. “People may assume early weakness is due to stress, aging or overuse. But persistent or worsening weakness, especially on one side of the body, should be evaluated.”
ALS — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — is a rare, progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement, including movement involved in walking, speaking, eating and breathing. According to the ALS Association, the disease affects an estimated 30,000 people in the United States at any given time, with approximately 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. There is currently no cure, and most people live two to five years following diagnosis, although some live significantly longer.
Dr. Gonzalez Gallardo notes that early symptoms are often painless and subtle.
That can include:
- Weakness in one hand or arm
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Trouble opening jars or buttoning clothing
- One side of the body feeling noticeably weaker
She also highlights that women — particularly those over age 70 — may experience different early signs.
“Some women notice subtle voice changes, coughing when drinking liquids, taking longer to eat or unintentional weight loss,” Gonzalez Gallardo said. “If something doesn’t feel right and doesn’t go away, seeing a neurologist early can provide answers and guide next steps.”
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Why Early Neurological Evaluation Matters
While ALS currently has no cure, early diagnosis allows patients and families to explore treatment options designed to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The ALS Association notes that FDA-approved medications may help slow disease progression in some patients, and multidisciplinary care teams have been shown to extend survival and enhance daily functioning.
For families in Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring and surrounding areas, access to board-certified neurology specialists close to home can ease what is often an overwhelming process.
“The physician-patient relationship is at the center of my approach to care,” said Dr. Gonzalez Gallardo. “Through collaboration, patient education, good communication and compassion, the best treatment plan and management can be reached. I look forward to bringing exceptional care and compassion to the communities I serve.”
Expertise in Neuromuscular Disorders at Houston Methodist Willowbrook
Dr. Gonzalez Gallardo is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (2004) and completed a Neuromuscular/EMG fellowship at the University of Miami in 2015. She completed her neurology residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital and earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine.
Her clinical interests include:
- Motor neuron disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Neuromuscular disorders such as neuropathy and myopathy
- Electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Headaches and BOTOX occipital nerve injections
She is affiliated with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and is a member of the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute.
What Houston-Area Residents Should Watch For
For many, ALS symptoms begin gradually. The ALS Association explains that early signs can include muscle weakness, muscle twitching (fasciculations), stiffness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath. Because symptoms can mimic more common conditions — including nerve compression, orthopedic issues or simple fatigue — delays in diagnosis are common.
That’s why physicians emphasize listening to your body.
If weakness is persistent, progressively worsening, or clearly different from typical fatigue, seeking evaluation from a neurologist may provide clarity.
For residents concerned about symptoms, appointments with a Houston Methodist neurologist can be scheduled online or by calling 713-441-3850.
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A Community Conversation About Awareness
ALS may be rare, but awareness matters — especially when early symptoms are subtle. In communities where neighbors know each other and families look out for one another, sharing accurate health information can help someone seek care sooner.
Understanding what early ALS symptoms look like, knowing when to see a neurologist, and recognizing that painless weakness is not always “just aging” could make a meaningful difference for a Houston-area family.
For continued updates on local healthcare resources, physician expertise and community health awareness, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.