Nerve conduction tests

[Mel123]

Could someone tell me what nerve conduction tests show? Do they show how bad progression is? I

 

[Vincent]

Nerve conduction studies show how fast the signals are travelling along the nerve. This may find conduction blocks that point away from ALS.
Vincent

 

[Mel123]

Wish it did point away from als but he's already been diagnosed :-(

 

[Annie's Phil]

Are they continuing to do NCV tests? If so I'd find that puzzling after an ALS diagnosis. As Vincent said, NCV studies are designed to determine if there's a pathology of the nerves, e.g., MS. ALS is a motor neuron disease, not a disease of the peripheral nerves. So if there is an abnormality in the nerve conduction velocities that would normally be taken as indicative that symptoms such as weakness were due to damage of the nerve which enervates the affected body part rather than the motor neuron. It is possible, though not likely, that a person could have both an MND as well as another nerve pathology. What's puzzling is that if the doc(s) are confident in an ALS diagnosis, I can't see any point in continuing to do tests, such as NCV, that are typically among the very first done when investigating the cause of neurological symptoms.

May I ask if the ALS diagnosis was done by a neurologist who specializes in motor neuron diseases?

 

[Mel123]

Yes it was the neurologist who diagnosed als, gave him blood and breathing tests and then prescribed riluzole. Then on friday he had the nerve conduction tests. Seems a back to front way of doing it

 

[Annie's Phil]

What was the basis of his diagnosis? Had emg tests been done? Not all neurologists have a lot of experience with ALS, that's why many neurologists will refer the pts to an ALS specialist if they suspect an MND. My wife had two local neurologists examine her for 2 1/2 years and referred her to Johns Hopkins where her diagnosis was made. I'm certainly not saying that the diagnosis is wrong or premature, not knowing the basis upon which it was made, but a second opinion from a reputable MND specialist might be in order.

 

[Mel123]

Thank you, all the symptoms point to als but will definitely look into this further

 

[Mel123]

It's definitely mnd. I literally cannot cope

 

[Nikki J]

You are still in the very early stages of adjusting. I hope you have someone in your life who can support you so you can support your dad. Right now it is important to take care of yourself too. As the shock fades you will start to deal better

 

[lgelb]

Mel, all you have to do is live one day at a time, helping and loving your dad as best you can in that moment. By posting here, you have shown the ability to commit to that. You can start by staying open and honest with him as he grieves what he will lose, and with the rest of your family.

Best,
Laurie

 

[Mel123]

I only have my mum. My closest family live on the other side of the world. Sorry for being so miserable, you're right I am still in shock :-(

 

[Nikki J]

I was thinking of close friend, significant other, clergy even? Forgive me, I can't tell from your posts do you live with your parents? Are you an adult? ( it is fine to be here if you are underage by the way just think we can understand better knowing if you are or not)