My husband's Neuro said he was UMN dominate too. he is very slow progressing. He also does have LMN signs, so that is what I always was told is the dif between ALS and PLS. His Neuro also uses the Spectrum/Continuum reference --it does make sense when you think about how differently people present and move thru this disease.
here is what I have been told--but I don't mind being corrected if I am wrong...UMN and LMN affect the nerves and muscles differently--so there are different symptoms of each. Flaccid, weak=LMN, spasticity, fasciculations=UMN. If you have both, you have ALS but you can be more one than the other, thus the spectrum. at either end of the spectrum is pure UMN or LMN, which is PLS or PMA.
UMN dominate is slower moving, LMN is faster moving and LMN affects the breathing/diaphragm.
For instance, My husband's still fighting at almost 7 years. his arms are flaccid and useless, his legs are spastic but weak--he can still support his weight on them for a few minutes. his neck is weak and can not hold his head up with out support, but his jaw is spastic and clenched. he still eats pureed food by mouth because his swallowing is good enough. his breathing is shallower and faster than normal, but certainly not bad considering the condition of the rest of his body.
Just giving you something to compare. being UMN dominate is a good thing for longevity!
