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A 54-Year-Old Male with Right-Hand Weakness 

A 54-Year-Old Male with Right-Hand Weakness
Chapter:
A 54-Year-Old Male with Right-Hand Weakness
Author(s):

Jeffrey A. Cohen

, Justin J. Mowchun

, Victoria H. Lawson

, and Nathaniel M. Robbins

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780190491901.003.0002
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date: 27 February 2021

Early in its course, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is mistaken for a number of other neuromuscular problems, including spinal disease, multifocal motor neuropathy, and even carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) when the weakness is distal and focal. In our patient CTS or cervical spine disease was considered. MRI scan of the appropriate spinal level is important to rule out spinal disease. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) help to exclude other possibilities and point to the diagnosis of ALS. Later in the clinical course, the clinical picture is pathognomonic with upper and lower motor neuron signs. The differential diagnosis of focal weakness is discussed, as is recognition of the more typical ALS clinical syndrome and familial ALS. NCS and EMG findings in ALS are discussed.

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