Hawking's Initial Diagnosis and Early Symptoms
In 1963, at the age of 21, Stephen Hawking was a graduate student at the University of Cambridge when he began to notice the first signs of his illness. These early symptoms were relatively minor, but unsettling. He became noticeably clumsier and would stumble or fall without explanation. He was also falling when he went ice skating with his mother. After a series of tests, doctors diagnosed him with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND). The prognosis was grim, with doctors initially giving him only two years to live.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the motor neurons controlling voluntary muscles. For most patients, it progresses rapidly, but Hawking's case was atypical and moved at a much slower rate. This slower progression allowed him to continue his groundbreaking work for decades despite the increasing physical challenges.
The Gradual Loss of Mobility
Hawking's transition from an ambulatory life to one dependent on a wheelchair was not an immediate event, but a slow and steady process over several years.
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1960s: Following his diagnosis in 1963, his early symptoms included weakness and unsteadiness, but he resisted transitioning to a wheelchair for some time, instead using crutches. By the late 1960s, however, his physical deterioration had advanced to the point where a wheelchair became necessary for mobility.
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Early 1970s: As his condition worsened, he became more reliant on his wheelchair. This period marked a significant shift in his day-to-day life, requiring more adaptations to continue his professional and personal activities.
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Mid-1970s: By this time, he had completely lost the ability to walk and was entirely dependent on a wheelchair. His upper limb function also began to decline, making it difficult to write.
The Progression of ALS Beyond Walking
While losing the ability to walk was a major milestone in Hawking's disease progression, ALS continued to affect his body over the years. The disease is known for systematically weakening and paralyzing muscles throughout the body.
Impact on Communication
In addition to his mobility, his ability to speak was also profoundly affected. His speech became slurred in the 1970s, making it increasingly difficult to communicate verbally. A major turning point occurred in 1985 when he contracted pneumonia during a trip to CERN. To save his life, doctors performed a tracheotomy, which caused him to lose his voice permanently.
Following the tracheotomy, Hawking began communicating with a computer system that he initially operated with his hand. As his hand function declined, he moved to a system controlled by a muscle in his cheek. This innovative technology became his signature 'voice' for the rest of his life, allowing him to continue lecturing and writing.
Comparison: ALS Progression in Hawking vs. Average Cases
| Aspect | Stephen Hawking's Progression | Average ALS Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Onset | Young, diagnosed at 21 | Usually affects people aged 50-60 |
| Longevity | Lived for 55 years after diagnosis | Average life expectancy is 2-5 years |
| Physical Decline | Gradual, slow deterioration over decades | Rapid progression, often leading to paralysis within a few years |
| Mental Acuity | Remained intellectually sharp throughout | Cognitive functions typically remain intact |
| Dependency | Gradually required a wheelchair by the late 1960s, full dependence by mid-70s | Requires a wheelchair, respiratory, and feeding devices relatively quickly after onset |
Hawking's Legacy and Resilience
Despite the progressive physical toll of ALS, Hawking's story is one of extraordinary resilience and mental fortitude. His ability to continue his work and public life in the face of such adversity is a testament to the human spirit. He became an iconic symbol of how a person with a severe disability could make profound contributions to society. His enduring intellectual capacity, a common trait in ALS patients, allowed him to push the boundaries of theoretical physics even as his body failed him.
His long survival also provided invaluable insights into the disease, highlighting the varying rates of progression among patients. While his case was rare, it underscored the importance of assistive technology in enabling individuals with disabilities to lead full and productive lives. From his customized wheelchair to his advanced communication system, his life demonstrated how technological innovation can act as a powerful equalizer. For many, his refusal to be defined by his illness served as a constant source of inspiration. As he once said, "It matters that you don't just give up".
Conclusion
Stephen Hawking's loss of the ability to walk was a gradual process tied to the slow but relentless progression of his ALS. The journey from his diagnosis in 1963 to his eventual full-time use of a wheelchair by the late 1960s and early 1970s was a critical period of physical decline. However, this setback did not halt his intellectual pursuits or diminish his vibrant public presence. He became a global icon, not only for his brilliant scientific theories but also for his unwavering determination to continue living and working despite his immense physical challenges. His life stands as a powerful reminder of how resilience and technology can help overcome the most daunting of obstacles. You can learn more about the science behind his life at the Science Museum in London, which features an exhibition on Hawking's work.
