|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

ALS Diagnosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells, with symptoms of muscle atrophy and ultimately the inability to breathe once diaphragm and chest-wall muscles fail. ALS--inherited in about one in 10 cases and unexplained in the remainder--appeared in the national spotlight when the disease caused the death of baseball player Lou Gehrig in 1941.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Because ALS manifests like other neurological disorders, it is difficult to diagnose it initially. Most often, tests are conducted to rule out other conditions. Early signs include weakness in the feet, ankles and legs; hand weakness; and slurring of speech. According to MayoClinic.com, riluzole is the only FDA-approved drug proven to slow the progression of ALS in some patients.

    Neurological Exam

    • A neurological exam will demonstrate signs of weakness and muscle atrophy. Muscles will also be stiff and move abnormally. Since ALS also affects skeletal muscles, the exam will demonstrate abnormalities in reflexes.

    Nerve Conduction Study

    • During the nerve conduction test, electrodes are attached to the skin to study the body's nerves and muscles. A shock is passed through the skin and the speed of the nerve signal is recorded. In people with ALS, nerve-signal speed is often slower.

    Electromyogram

    • An electromyogram is a test that sends electrical pulses into the muscles. When the muscle contracts, a small electrical impulse is emitted. These impulses are weak in people with ALS.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employs a strong magnetic field along with radio waves to get pictures of the brain and spine. This test rules out other possible diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and anything else that can affect the spine.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles