I am new to all of this (dx'd Oct 13th) but am wondering if in the process of killing the motor-neurons, ALS does something to increase the sensitivity of some of the other senses. In particular, my eyes seem intensely more sensitive to bright light, my ears to loud noises (startle easily), and my nose to foul smells (I can smell a smoker from 50 feet away, outside, on a breezy day!). Is any of this familiar to anyone?

I Too Have The Same Problem With Eyes And Ears...i Also Have A Burning Sensation On Face...like A Sunburn..strang...but Does Not Seem To Affect Progressio...
Mary Fran...dx 1998

Startling more easily has nothing to do with your ears, its a reflex...I have a real heightened sense of smell and awaiting for a referral as its affecting my breathing by clamping up my throat. I also can not tolerate certain materials on me or even near me as this also affects my breathing in the same way as smells.

The smell issue really amazes and baffles me as in ALS the neurons obviously die but with increased sense of smell the olfactory cells/neurons are multi-plying thus why you are able to smell certain smells others cant.

The proper name for increased sense of smell is Hyperosmia, I very much doubt you will find much info online as to the cause etc...

Good luck, and sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

Best wishes, Jeannie x

I'm with you Steve. `I'm the same with all my senses.

im with you too.
startle easily not as bad as it was.
cant stand bright lights of oncoming cars at nite, glad im not driving.
some loud noises but still luv loud music.
i was a smoker i quit just befor dx in 94 , i like the smell of it tho.
i do know im not going to get Alzheimer's