Camilla Jessen
The Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star opens up about his worsening battle with ALS.
American actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has shared new details about his health struggles with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In an interview with Good Morning America on Monday, Dane said he has completely lost the use of his right arm, EFE reported, according to Digi24.
The 52-year-old actor explained that his right arm has “completely stopped working,” and he now relies on his left arm, which remains functional for the time being.
“I only have one functional arm. My dominant side. The left side works, the right side has completely stopped working. I feel like maybe in a few months I won’t even be able to use my left hand. It’s worrying,” he said.
Although he can still walk, Dane admitted that he fears losing the ability to walk in the near future as the disease progresses.
The Path to Diagnosis
Dane recalled that before being diagnosed, he noticed some numbness but initially thought it was due to overusing his cell phone.
“A few weeks later, I noticed that it had gotten a little worse. So I went to a hand specialist, who referred me to another specialist. I went to a neurologist, who referred me to another and said, ‘This is way beyond my level of expertise,'” he explained.
After nine months of medical visits, he received the diagnosis: ALS.
“I’ll never forget those three letters,” Dane said.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons—the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements. The disease impacts walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing.
Dane is married and has two daughters, aged 15 and 13.