Drs. opioion on Second Opinions w/ALS

[Roni14]

After, being dx with ALS, only having one limb onset that is noticable. Right leg dragging, clonus. But, EMG is showing denervation in 3 limbs,  and mid-thoracic paraspinals muscles. Muscle biopsy suggest neuropathy or neuronopathy. Blood work normal. Any chance of it being something else?

Do have an appt. at Cleveland for second opinion this month.

Thank You for any thoughts,
Roni

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

I cannot give you a clinical diagnosis over the internet unfortunately. But you should get a valuable opinion at your doctors visit (I presume with Dr. Eric Pioro from the Cleveland Clinic ALS Center?). HE is very good at differentiating between ALS and other disorders that mimic ALS.

The El Escorial criteria for ALS say that involvement of 3 limbs clinically or by EMG is suggestive of ALS, but assuming that you EMG results are correct/done by a good center or person.

Good luck, be sure to bring all your records with you to the appoointment

[vega1318]

Sorry about your diagnosis.   It is not the end of the world, however.  Some ALS courses are quite agressive while some can be very mild for many many years.  

EMG is typically good at diagnosing ALS and should not mistaken it for anything else.   Muscle biopsy would not diagnose ALS but would  rather be consistent with a disease "beyond muscle" -- they could probably put it under the umbrella of "neuropathies" even though the actual problem lies much higher (such as spinal cord).  Therefore, your muscle biopsy, could still be consistent with ALS.  

Hope you get a helpful second opinion from Cleveland.  Depending on where you are, Columbia Univ. in NYC has an ALS clinic as well where they could both, diagnose you and treat you as well as provide you with any experimental treatments that may be out there.

[Makelsbelle]

Gee, what an encouraging post!