How Is ALS Diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, there are several diagnostic procedures for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Tests to diagnose ALS may include: • Laboratory tests including blood and urine studies and thyroid functioning tests • Muscle and/or nerve biopsy • Cerebral spinal fluid analysis (spinal tap), a procedure used to make an evaluation or diagnosis by examining the fluid withdrawn from the spinal column • X-rays • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a way to image soft tissues thats noninvasive and that doesnt involve x-rays. MRI produces a sharp, two-dimensional view of the brain and spinal cord. • Electrodiagnostic tests (i.e., electromyography, or EMG, and nerve conduction velocity, or NCV), which are studies that evaluate and diagnose disorders of the muscles and motor neurons. Electrodes are inserted into the muscle, or placed on the skin overlying a muscle or muscle group, and electrical activity and muscle response are recorded.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 03:11:44 +0000