• Eric Dane has been diagnosed with ALS
  • The condition is also known as Lou Gerhig’s disease
  • Here are the signs to watch out for
Eric Dane stars in Euphoria
Euphoria star Eric Dane on a red carpet Credit: IMAGO

Eric Dane has gone public with his ALS diagnosis.

The ex Grey’s Anatomy star revealed that he been told he has the rare condition. Known officially as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it is incurable and causes nerve cell damage. Affected areas include the brain and spinal cord, and eventually leads to muscle paralysis.

In his announcement, Dane requested privacy and expressed gratitude for his family, which includes his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two children.

He told PEOPLE magazine, “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my ideas we nagivate the next chapter.”

Dane also shared he was heading back to work to shoot the third season of Euphoria, where he plays Cal Jacobs.

“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”

Read more: This is who isn’t returning for Euphoria season 3

What are the main ALS signs to look out for?

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the earliest signs to watch out for is twitching or weakness in an arm or a leg. This is then followed by slurring your words.

Due to the way ALS impacts the nerve cells in the spine and the brain, it gradually leads to those with the condition to be unable to speak, walk or breathe without help.

At the moment, there is no available cure. The prognosis is typically three to five years, but many patients have lived for decades after getting diagnosed.

Read more: What the Euphoria cast have been up to since season two?

What else is the condition known as?

ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the former baseball player who suffered from the same disease. The former Yankee was nicknamed the ‘The Iron Horse’.

Aside from Eric Dane, have any other public figures gone public with their diagnosis?

Many stars have been open about their condition. The most notable person to have the condition and go on to defy expectations in how long he lived afterwards is the scientist Stephen Hawking.

While diagnosed in 1963, he lived until 2018.

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Clara Hill
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