Months before ALS diagnosis, Eric Dane received a misdiagnosis and called the news a “death sentence”

A search for answers

In “My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” Dane recounted seeking medical help as he gradually lost use of his right hand. He first visited a hand specialist, who referred him to another specialist and then to a neurologist.

The neurologist suspected a form of neuropathy but referred Dane onward, saying his case was beyond his expertise. Dane wrote that he moved between doctors and underwent several tests, including an electromyography test. The medical team eventually agreed on a diagnosis of multifocal motor neuropathy.

Treatment did not help

Dane described multifocal motor neuropathy as a rare autoimmune disorder that causes severe muscle weakness. He wrote that treatment was 90 percent effective, but it did not work for him, leaving his medical team concerned.

His primary care doctor told him they were considering ALS but needed to wait. Dane later underwent a lumbar puncture, which extracts spinal fluid, as well as brain scans.

ALS diagnosis and family

Dane received an ALS diagnosis nine months later, in 2024. In his memoir, he described the diagnosis as a “death sentence” and compared the disease to a horror movie.

The call to Gayheart

After learning his diagnosis, Dane called Gayheart, who was estranged from him. He told her it was what they had feared and described feeling as though a forceful impact had knocked the wind out of him.

Dane wrote that he sobbed while Gayheart cried on the phone. Last month, Gayheart told People the moment felt like a “punch to the gut.” She said she would promise him she would protect and care for their daughters.