Dad diagnosed ALS/MND but neuologists are not quite certain

[moonyuet]

My father is 75 years old, he has experienced breathing difficulties and some swallowing difficulties(but still can swallow things) in the last three months. (after the COVID-19 vaccination)We have found two neurologists and did the EMG tests twice along with some other tests to confirm his diagnosis.
The doctor says my father's case is compatible with ALS but at the same time they only states that his diagnosis is MND in some other reports.
My family is still very confused as both neurologists are not certain about his ALS diagnosis.
Just want to seek out the opinion if I should go for other neurologists to seek a third opinion.

The attachment is one of the EMG tests. I dont have the first EMG test by the way(I dont have the report from the neurologist.)

 

[affected]

I'm sorry to hear this.
The difficulties will have had nothing to do with a vaccination - people are continuing to be diagnosed with all kinds of conditions and are being vaccinate regularly (I've had 4 so far). This means you could mention the time from a vax to any diagnosis, but that doesn't prove causality.

In the conclusion you post it says Overall findings were compatible with ALS.
There is a scale used to diagnose as definite, probable and possible ALS.
ALS is one of the MND, so you really need to take this to the doctor who is using both terms and clarify whether they are saying probable ALS. We can't really guess what the reason is.

Are either of these neurologists neuromuscular specialists? If not, that is where you need to get an opinion from next. If the one writing this report is, then again, you may need to discuss and clarify. You could still choose to get a third opinion, but make sure it is from a neuromuscular specialist.

 

[lgelb]

If a doctor is from the UK or some other countries, MND is often used interchangeably with ALS, since ALS is one of the MNDs. So hearing both terms doesn't mean the diagnosis is in doubt.

The EMG is certainly concerning for both limb and bulbar dysfunction. Whether it is worth a third opinion to try to differentiate ALS from another MND (unless he had polio or this has already been done and we are just talking about semantics) depends on whether it would be a burden financially or logistically.

Either way, I would begin planning for equipment needs, medical needs (such as a feeding tube if there is difficulty in swallowing, and a BiPAP for breathing problems), legal and financial documents that should be in place, and support from the family. We will help however we can.

Best,
Laurie

 

[Mary2]

Monnyuet, Sorry to welcome you here. My husband is 77 and had a swallowing test that showed he needed thickener added to his liquids. We also obtained a g tube and use this each day because he is a slow eater and eating can be tiring.