Neurologists refer to this type of increased muscle stiffness as spasticity.
## 10. Changes in Emotional Expression
Some people with ALS develop episodes of laughing or crying that seem exaggerated or inappropriate for the situation.
Mayo Clinic also notes that inappropriate crying, laughing, or yawning may occur in ALS. ([Mayo Clinic][1])
These changes result from neurological effects rather than simply being an emotional reaction to the diagnosis.
## Does ALS Cause Numbness or Loss of Sensation?
Usually, ALS primarily affects **motor neurons**, which control movement.
Sensation such as touch, smell, hearing, and taste is generally preserved. Mayo Clinic notes that ALS usually does not affect bladder function or the senses. ([Mayo Clinic][1])
That distinction can help doctors differentiate ALS from conditions that primarily affect sensory nerves.
However, symptoms should never be interpreted in isolation.
## Does ALS Cause Pain?
