Difference between ALS and PLS

[JennyC]

Can someone explain the difference to me. I understand that with PLS the lower motor neurons are not involved but I don't know really what the means, what symptoms do you not get with PLS that you get with ALS?

I think my mom is holding onto false hope. She had her second opinion with Mt Sinai ALS Clinic and after reviewing her records and doing another EMG they said ALS as well....but now my mom is telling me to read about PLS....I don't want to kill her hope but I think if she had PLS they would have diagnosed her with that and not ALS, right?

 

[Nikki J]

Well the quick answer is the lower motor neuron disease that differentiates ALS from PLS is seen in the EMG. Since your mom had EMGs with 2 doctors and they both then said ALS she presumably had the EMG findings to support the diagnosis of ALS and rule out PLS