Fearful of ALS - for Mother

[AS2020]

Hi All -- I am very concerned about my mom. She is 73 y/o. She developed foot drop in January 2022. The foot drop was noticed in connection with a fall, where she experienced a traumatic brain injury (she was in the ICU for a week). It's unclear if the foot drop was the cause of the fall. While the foot drop has since improved significantly, it is not fully healed. She has lost a tremendous amount of weight (including before her fall), has a loss of appetite, has some balance issues, and has experienced foot/calf cramps in the past. She has been to a general neurologist, but I am fearful her symptoms have worsened. Any advice / thoughts on the reading of the attached EMG or otherwise welcomed. Thank you for taking the time.

-Andrew

 

[Nikki J]

Hi Andrew
the emg does not show ALS. The interpretation does note a pinched peroneal nerve - one of the most common causes of footdrop. Are you being told ALS in on the table? The emg does not support it.

 

[AS2020]

Thanks, Nikki. Very helpful and reassuring. Very much appreciate your input. Several people have raised the concern of ALS, but none are a medical professional. Nonetheless it has raised the anxiety levels significantly. Again, thank you.