How does a doctor diagnos ALS/MND?

[candlls]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum. Apologies in advance if asking a question already answered. I'm sure I'll figure out how to navigate around the portal. Well, five months ago I started having zaps in my head, dizziness, and trouble walking. I was put on predisone and my walking got better, but then my weakness only on my right side progressed. So I started PT and the weakness got worse. I am not able to lift more than 2lb dumbells, my voice comes and goes, twitching all over daily; and my right hand started to close very slowly into a claw position and I'm not able to hold my wrist up for very long and my muscle looks like it's beginning to turn the opposite direction when I extend my right arms palms up. I don't seem to be getting better, and all my tests including 2EMGS show nothing. Today despite showing my doctor my right arm and how it looks deformed I'm told it's due to fibromyalgia, but the Dr. said it does not cause weakness, and no answer to why I have weakness only on my right side. I've been dismissed with depression (which I'm not! but it is depressing losing functionality of my right side) yet, I know something is not right.

So, am wondering how do doctors determine to consider ALS/MDN? what tests are required and what specialty is qualified to rule this out?

 

[Nikki J]

Clinical exam and EMG for diagnosis plus other tests to rule out other diseases. Many blood tests, mri, spinal tap are commonly done. A neuromuscular specialist would make the definitive diagnosis Please read the sticky for this section to learn more and to learn the rules for posting as an undiagnosed person

 

[candlls]

Thank You much for your response, and the rules.

 

[Atsugi]

zaps in my head, dizziness >> absolutely nothing to do with ALS
and trouble walking...walking got better >> ALS never gets better
not able to lift more than 2lb dumbells >> ALS can't lift any dumbbells
voice comes and goes >> not ALS
twitching all over daily >> so common, it is not diagnostic

2EMGS show nothing >> ALS would show up on an EMG

You've got a problem if your claw-hand continues. See the doc.
Read the sticky post at the top of this subforum to find out why you don't have ALS.

I'm not a doctor, but I know doctors look at many things, including:
1) there's a limp, useless, paralyzed muscle, usually in a foot or hand.
2) they eliminate hundreds of other diseases.
3) they find denervation on an EMG