ALS Diagnosis Question

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Tod

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Nov 15, 2022
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Learn about ALS
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Thank you all for having this forum to help people deal with this disease. I am being evaluated for ALS with both tongue and other muscle EMG in a few weeks, after noting widespread, continuous muscle fasiculation and some dysphagia. My question is specifically regarding the added value of a tongue EMG - does this further help in the actual diagnosis of the disease, and if so, in what way? If not, what is the added value? Unfortunately, to date I haven't been able to get a clear answer to this question from the neurologist. I would highly value any information/thoughts about this from the forum for my own better understanding. Thank you so much - Tod
 
If you have bulbar als the tongue muscle is one place they look for it.
 
Thanks for the quick response. I do understand that, but doesn't either ALS show up just as readily in the other muscles if they're already continuously fasciculating? - Tod
 
It should but you also report dysphagia which in ALS is caused by bulbar dysfuction. it is not uncommon to include a bulbar muscle in a screening emg. Different doctors prefer different sites for bulbar screening and yours apparently prefers the tongue. Your doctor is just being very thorough
 
I would say, trust your neurologist to know where they want tested. They are pretty smart.
Let us know the result and all the best!
 
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