How Is ALS Diagnosed? — Page 2

The ALS exam

To receive an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis, you’ll see a doctor who specializes in diseases of the brain and spinal cord, called a neurologist. First the doctor will ask about your family and personal medical history. Then you’ll be asked about your symptoms, including when they started.

During a neurological exam, the doctor will check for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms like these:

• Weakness, often on one side of your body
• Slurred speech and trouble moving your mouth and tongue
• Muscle twitches
• Rigid, tight muscles
• Exaggerated reflexes
• Uncontrollable laughter or crying
• Mental changes, such as trouble recognizing or remembering words

Certain criteria help doctors make an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis. These include:

• Signs of damage to upper motor neurons in your brain
• Signs of damage to lower motor neurons in your brainstem and spinal cord
• Progression of symptoms from one part of your body to another
• Lack of evidence of other diseases that cause similar symptoms

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