Eric Dane has shared insights into his health journey during a recent interview, revealing the moment he realized something was amiss.
The actor, famous for portraying Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, disclosed his diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in April.
This progressive condition impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, worsening over time.
Upon releasing a brief statement, the 52-year-old actor from California requested privacy regarding his health situation.
He stated: “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.
“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.”
Appearing on Good Morning America on Monday (June 16), Dane discussed the initial signs that prompted concern over his health.
He remarked: “I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time.
“I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued.
“But a few weeks later I noticed it had gotten a little worse so I went and saw a hand specialist and he sent me to another hand specialist.
“I went and saw a neurologist and they sent me to another neurologist and said this is way above [his] pay grade.”
Following a nine-month search for answers, Dane was diagnosed with ALS.
A year after the initial symptoms appeared, he shared: “I have one functioning arm, my dominant side is [my right], my left side is functioning, my right side is completely stopped working.
“My left arm is going, I feel like a couple few more months and I won’t have my left either, it is sobering.”
Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the baseball player afflicted by it, ALS affects muscle control, beginning with minor symptoms like twitching, limb weakness, or difficulties in swallowing or speaking. Gradually, it impacts muscles necessary for movement, speech, eating, and breathing.
This condition presents significant challenges for those affected, as they eventually become paralyzed while retaining normal cognitive functions.
The disease is terminal and currently lacks a cure, with the Muscular Dystrophy Association noting that most individuals live three to five years post-diagnosis, though some may survive for much longer.