In a recent interview, Eric Dane discussed his diagnosis and how he realized something was wrong.

Eric Dane, who played Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, said in April that he had been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

The degenerative health problem damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and worsens with time.

The 52-year-old Californian requested solitude after delivering a brief statement announcing his condition.

At the time, he stated, “I was diagnosed with ALS.” I am fortunate to have my lovely family by my side as we embark on this next chapter.

“I feel lucky to be able to continue working and look forward to returning to the Euphoria set next week.

“I kindly ask that you give my family and me privacy during this time.”

However, the actor appeared on Good Morning America on Monday (June 16), when he disclosed the first indicators that made him worry about his own health.

He remarked, “I started feeling some weakness in my right hand and didn’t think much of it at the moment.

“I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was tired.

“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 to see a neurologist, and they sent me to another doctor, saying it was much above [his] pay grade.

After nine months of looking for answers, the actor was eventually diagnosed with ALS.

A year after the first symptoms, Dane stated, “I have one functioning arm; my dominant side is [my right], my left side is functioning, and my right side has entirely ceased working.”

“My left arm is going. I feel like in a couple of few more months, I won’t have my left either. It is sobering.”

ALS, often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who died from it, impairs muscular control, beginning with minor symptoms such as twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, as well as trouble swallowing or speaking, before gradually weakening the muscles required to move, speak, eat, and breathe.

This is especially challenging for people who suffer from it, as they gradually become paralyzed despite maintaining normal brain activity and functionality.

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the condition is deadly and there is no treatment, with most patients living three to five years following diagnosis; however, others can live for many years.