ALS is one of those diseases that is very difficult to diagnose. There is no one test that will definitively tell you whether or not you have ALS. Most likely, you will need to have a thorough clinical examination and a series of diagnostic tests before a diagnosis of ALS can be established. Basically, other diseases that mimic ALS are ruled out first before a diagnosis of ALS is given.
Diseases to Rule Out Before Diagnosing ALS
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's Disease
Guillain Barre Syndrome
Muscular Dystrophy
Post-Polio Syndrome
Stroke
Myasthenia Gravis
Peripheral neuropathy
Spinal Stenosis
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Tumor at the base of the spine
Spinal cord tumor
Spinal Cord Cyst
Inflammatory disease of muscle
The Following Tests Are Commonly Conducted:
an electromyography (EMG) - a special recording device that detects electrical activity in muscles
a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) - abnormalities may suggest damage to the peripheral nerves or a muscle disease other than ALS
a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - takes a detailed image of the brain and spinal cord
a chelation challenge test - measures the output of heavy metals through a 24 hour urine test
thyroid and parathyroid tests
Several ALS organizations recommend that you get a second opinion from an ALS "expert" if you have been given the diagnosis of ALS. The reason is that there are several diseases that have similar symptoms as ALS and most of these conditions are treatable. An ALS expert is someone who diagnoses and treats many ALS patients.
The ALS Association www.alsa.org maintains a list of recognized experts in the field of ALS.
If you have any questions please call toll free at 877-562-6039. International customers, please call 520-877-2637.
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