'Grey's Anatomy' star Eric Dane's neuro battle: The shocking speed of Dr. McSteamy's health decline
Key Takeaways
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"ALS can mimic other diseases like cervical myelopathy, which often I see in my practice, even other multifocal motor neuropathy. Sometimes making the diagnosis can be difficult and take time—there's no single test to make the diagnosis." — Betsy Grunch, MD, neurosurgeon
Eric Dane, known for his roles in "Grey's Anatomy" as Mark Sloan (aka Dr. McSteamy) and "Euphoria" as Cal Jacobs, recently shared an update about his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The actor has spoken openly about the rapid progression of his symptoms, which started a year and a half ago with weakness in his right hand. Despite initially attributing the weakness to overuse, after months of consultations with specialists, Dane was diagnosed with ALS. []
"ALS can mimic other diseases like cervical myelopathy, which often I see in my practice, even other multifocal motor neuropathy. Sometimes making the diagnosis can be difficult and take time—there's no single test to make the diagnosis," said neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch, MD, in an Instagram Reel.
His symptoms have progressed so swiftly that his right arm has completely lost function, and he anticipates the same fate for his left arm in the coming months. []
Understanding ALS progression
ALS progression varies from person to person, but Dane’s rapid decline is an important reminder of how aggressive this disease can be.
While some patients may experience a slower onset of symptoms and a longer course, others, like Dane, can see rapid deterioration within a matter of months.
Most ALS patients begin with limb weakness, but the disease can spread to other parts of the body, including the respiratory muscles, which are critical for breathing. []
ALS typically progresses over 2 to 5 years, with survival largely dependent on the rate of progression and the involvement of respiratory muscles. []
In Dane’s case, the progression has been fast, and he is now grappling with a loss of function that could potentially impact his ability to perform everyday activities, let alone continue his work in entertainment.
Related: This part of your home is putting you at risk for developing ALSManagement strategies for ALS
Although there is no cure for ALS, helping your patients manage the disease and maintain quality of life for as long as possible is a critical aspect of care.
Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are essential for slowing progression and addressing your patient’s various needs.
1. Medication management
The FDA-approved medications riluzole and edaravone are the mainstay treatments for ALS. [] Riluzole has been shown to slightly extend survival by reducing glutamate toxicity, which contributes to motor neuron damage.
Edaravone, on the other hand, is thought to reduce oxidative stress, which plays a role in the degeneration of neurons. While these treatments can slow disease progression, they do not halt the inevitable decline.
2. Symptom management
Because ALS affects motor control, symptom management becomes essential as the disease progresses. Symptomatic treatments focus on addressing muscle cramps, spasticity, and swallowing difficulties, all of which can impair a patient's ability to function and maintain nutrition.
Medications like baclofen, tizanidine, and gabapentin can help with spasticity and muscle cramps, while speech therapy and modified diets can assist with swallowing difficulties. []
3. Respiratory support
As ALS progresses, respiratory muscle weakness becomes a critical concern. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), such as bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), is commonly used to support breathing in the later stages of ALS. []
In some cases, invasive ventilation with a tracheostomy may be necessary if NIV is no longer effective. []
4. Physical and occupational therapy
While ALS leads to inevitable physical decline, physical and occupational therapy can help improve mobility and maintain independence for as long as possible. []
Stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises help reduce pain and improve function, while assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, and specialized equipment can support daily activities.
5. Palliative care
Given the terminal nature of ALS, palliative care is an essential part of managing the disease. [] This multidisciplinary approach focuses on alleviating symptoms, improving the patient's quality of life, and providing emotional support for both the patient and their family.
Palliative care can include pain management, psychological support, and assistance with advanced directives and end-of-life planning.
Related: 5 serious diseases that could force doctors into early retirement