Question 1

can als present as upper motor neuron dominant? how rare is it?

Accepted Answer

ALS: Yes, in some individuals there does seem to be a prevalence for one versus the other. At least at the beginning of the disease. As it progresses both upper and lower are progressively destroyed. Within ALS I wouldn't call it a rare finding. Its more related to the precision of the diagnostic findings by individual neurologists and overall timing.

Question 2

is sma, (child version of als), rare? statistics? likelihood of it happening in a 3 yr old child?

Accepted Answer

Rare/ not ALS: The Spinal muscular atrophy types (1-4) arise from an inherited lack of a material that protects the motor neuron. The type 3 (onset after age 1yr) has an estimated gene prevalence of of 1/375,000 in the population and incidence of 1-6/1,000,000 births. You need a defective gene from both parents to inherit this condition.Though weakness is common to ALS/SMA they are not related.

Question 3

i been twiching for 6months.no weakness.rare myokymia on eyes.i have permanent myokymia on my leg (35 hz and 1sec durat.) emg/mri clean. possible als?

Accepted Answer

Clean EMG: is very helpful. Generally ALS will have a markedly abnormal EMG with lower motor neuron denervation. There will also be clinical evidence of denervation. Myokymia is a nuisance but not dangerous. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!

Question 4

would it be rare to have als with normal reflexes and normal clinical exam ? doctor said no need for emg as percieved weakness ie tripping at times / hand weakness when lifting things is not clinical and strength test was normal . chances of early al?

Accepted Answer

: Rare rare unless u have family history. Ask for the genetic test if u can handle the results. Discuss with Drs first.

Question 5

what is als

Accepted Answer

Neurologic disease: Amylotrophic lateral sclerosis- a neurologic disease affects motor function, leads to muscle weakness and significant disability.  Also known as lou gehrigs disease.  If you or family are diagnosed with this or if you want to learn more, visit www.Alsa.Org.

Question 6

is als painful?

Accepted Answer

No: Als is a progressive neuromuscular disorder.  Only the motor neurons and muscles are affected.  The sensory nerves remain intact, so the patient can feel pain, but the disease itself does not cause pain.

Question 7

is als hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Can be: Fals - familial is rare, less than 10%.  90% are sporadic sals with unknown cause.  There are some generic tests available.

Question 8

what is bulbar als?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerves: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease where the nerve cells degenerate which leads to muscle weakness and death, the cause is unknown. The bulbar form affects the cranial nerves, they supply the face and neck structures.  Riluzole is a drug that may help.

Question 9

does als cause pain?

Accepted Answer

YES: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative illness with progressive loss of motor neurons, muscle wasting, and respiratory dysfunction. As the disease progression, secondary symptoms can arise creating pain. Although not a primary symptom of ALS pain occurs in a substantial number of individuals.

Question 10

what to do about als?

Accepted Answer

No cure: Als and motor neuron disease are progressive diseases of the brain stem in which there is death of the motor neurons resulting in progressive loos of motor function. Some cases progress rapidly while others are slower in progression. There is no cure. Being certain of diagnosis important.

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Doctor answers about:

Is ALS rare

A member asked:

Can als present as upper motor neuron dominant? how rare is it?

A member asked:

Is sma, (child version of als), rare? statistics? likelihood of it happening in a 3 yr old child?

A member asked:

I been twiching for 6months.no weakness.rare myokymia on eyes.i have permanent myokymia on my leg (35 hz and 1sec durat.) emg/mri clean. possible als?

A member asked:

Would it be rare to have als with normal reflexes and normal clinical exam ? doctor said no need for emg as percieved weakness ie tripping at times / hand weakness when lifting things is not clinical and strength test was normal . chances of early al?

A member asked:

What is als

A member asked:

Is als painful?

A member asked:

Is als hereditary?

A member asked:

What is bulbar als?

A member asked:

Does als cause pain?

A member asked:

What to do about als?

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