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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Familial connection between - ALS
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Familial connection between - ALS
by Nick02, Sep 27, 2005 12:00AM
I am trying to ascertain if ALS is familial in my family. My father died in January aged 65 diagnosed with ALS. Looked back into family death records and my Great Grandfather on my died in 1949 diagnosed with "Neuromyelitis Optica" & "Bronchial pneumonia".
I am wondering if Neuromyelitis Optica is a condition related to ALS or could be mis-diagnosed ALS if similar?
I am 35 and hoping to start family with wife (also 35) but having second thoughts, if ALS in family not sure I want to burden a child with that knowlingly.
Can someone put this into some sort of perspective for me? Am I at increased risk or is NMO not connected (I know is v rare).
I am wondering if Neuromyelitis Optica is a condition related to ALS or could be mis-diagnosed ALS if similar?
I am 35 and hoping to start family with wife (also 35) but having second thoughts, if ALS in family not sure I want to burden a child with that knowlingly.
Can someone put this into some sort of perspective for me? Am I at increased risk or is NMO not connected (I know is v rare).
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Sep 30, 2005 12:00AM
Neuromyelitis optica (also known as Devic's disease), see other post from this week, is completely unrelated to ALS
The vast majority (95%) of ALS is not familial. Of the familial cases, we only know the genetic cause in about 20% of these cases. A family history of one, if you have no symptoms, is more suggestive that your fathers case was not familial. If other family members were affected the chance for it being familial ALS would be increased.
I would not worry about this re starting a family. This advice cannot take the place of formal genetic counselling if you wish to pursue this.
The vast majority (95%) of ALS is not familial. Of the familial cases, we only know the genetic cause in about 20% of these cases. A family history of one, if you have no symptoms, is more suggestive that your fathers case was not familial. If other family members were affected the chance for it being familial ALS would be increased.
I would not worry about this re starting a family. This advice cannot take the place of formal genetic counselling if you wish to pursue this.
