Question:
How important is the neurological exam in diagnosing ALS?
The Neurological Exam
The neurological examination is a “head to toe” examination of your body. The examination will start with the neurologist assessing your clarity of mind. He or she will look for problems in memory, behavior, or mood to determine your “mental status”.
When the “mental status” part of the examination is complete, the next step is to exam the nerves innervating the head and neck. Some of the activities the neurologist will tell you to do might seem silly such as “puffing out your cheeks,” or “sticking out your tongue.” However as a trained professional, the neurologist will have a keen eye to notice when these actions are not performed correctly. This can indicate the various nerves affected by ALS.
After the examination of the head and neck, the neurologist will proceed to exam your torso and extremities. He or she will look for weakness in the limbs or muscle tremors.
The last step within the neurological examination is to assess your reflexes. The neurologist will pay important attention to areas of your limbs showing decreased, increased, or absent reflexes.
ALS Frequently Asked Questions
Has there been a lot of research completed on ALS?
My doctor has prescribed Rilutek. How does this drug function?
Has the ALS Association funded any research?
Can you provide more details about TREAT ALS?
Should I consider participating in ALS Research?
How does Phase III clinical research trials differ from Phase I and Phase II?
Which centers are working on ALS research?
Has research been previously completed on ALS?
Are there any upcoming trials to look forward to?
Help me find information on ALS Research?
Which diseases are the differential diagnosis for ALS?
I have been feeling weaknes in my body. Could it be ALS?
I have been referred to a neurologist. What can I expect during this visit?
How important is the neurological exam in diagnosing ALS?
Which laboratory tests are necessary to diagnose ALS?
I am scheduled for a CSF analysis. What does this test mean?
Why did the neurologist schedule an MRI for me?
I have heard an Electromyography is important in diagnosing ALS. Can you explain it a little more?
I wonder if bone cancer is causing my symptoms?
Are there more than one form of ALS?
Tell me more about Sporadic ALS? How common is it?
What are many chances of getting ALS if my dad or mom had it?
Is Guamanian ALS only located in Guam?
How do the different forms of ALS differ?
Who first made wrote details on ALS?
What are the incidence and prevalence rates of ALS?
Is ALS known as any other names?
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
What symptoms can I expect during the early stages of this disease?
I developed muscle weakness and was later diagnosed with ALS. Is it commmon to feel this weak?
What symptoms can I expect with upper motor neuron involvement?
What symptoms can I expect with lower motor neuron involvement?
Can I expect any other symptoms as I battle ALS?
Which symptoms am I not likely to experience with ALS?
What is the difference between Limb-onset ALS versus Bulbar-onset ALS?
"Spastic bulbar palsy" sounds complicated. What is it exactly?
What can I expect during the end stages of ALS?
Is Rilutek the only medication used in ALS?
Will I benefit from physical therapy as an ALS patient?
Is occupational therapy necessary when diagnosed with ALS?
I am noticing problems with my speech. Can a speech pathologist help me?
My father who has ALS has stopped eating large meals. What do I do?
I have just been diagnosed with ALS and need to talk to someone. Who do I talk to?
I have heard I will develop problems with breathing. Which type of doctor do I see?
What is the purpose of the ALS C.A.R.E. database?
