Diagnosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Diagnosing ALS can be difficult because the symptoms of ALS can mimic symptoms of other diseases or disorders. The doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms with you. He or she will then perform a physical examination and one or more of the following tests:

  • Electromyography (EMG)
    During an EMG, a technician will insert a needle electrode into one of your muscles. A mild electrical current will be sent through the electrode to see how your muscles respond. Information about your muscles at rest and during contraction will be recorded.

  • MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
    This painless scan uses magnetic waves to create two- and three- dimensional images of the inside of your body.

  • Biopsy of muscle tissue
    A small piece of muscle tissue will be removed so that it can be examined and tested. The piece of tissue may be extracted with a needle or the doctor may have to make a small incision in the skin to obtain the sample.
  • X-rays
    This painless scan uses radiation to produce images of bones and tissue.
  • Blood or urine samples

If you are diagnosed with ALS, a life-threatening disease, it is always important to get another opinion from a medical expert to confirm the diagnosis. It is also important to schedule an appointment with a doctor who is an expert in caring for patients with ALS. This is often a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular diseases. Your doctor may be able to recommend a specialist. The ALS Association also offers a list of centers across the United States on their Web site at: http://www.alsa.org/community/article.cfm?id=638



† Top Of Page