ALS

[Guest]

What will an MRI of the brain show or indicate if ALS is present?

[ggaryrun]

Had many symptoms of ALS but defining thing for neurologist was brain MRI. Was shown normal brain MRI and then mine. Normal motor neuron area was filled in, no empty spots. Mine looked like a tree root structure, guessing perhaps up to 50% missing. Was only diagnosed a few weeks ago, now scheduled for second opinion as that is what I see in online research and new PALS. Original neurologist has great credentials, worked in Boston with either research or diagnosis of ALS patients. Anyway, guess what I'm trying to say is that the MRI is a very revealing diagnostic tool.

[pinuccio]

I had an MRI of my brain and it showed everything normal. Three different radiologists reviewed it and found my brain normal. But I was diagnosed with ALS 2 weeka ago.

[ggaryrun]

Still don't know much about ALS as was only diagnosed a few weeks ago. As I understand the symptoms vary from person to person. Are you having trouble walking, balance, leg and or arm movements, think that is indicative of motor neurons dieing off. I started having balance issues almost a year ago and condition continued to deteriorate. Have always enjoyed hiking in mountains here in Washington state but one day my vertigo got to the point where I fell twice coming down the mountain, was concerned that I might not be able to get down by myself. Also, lately have become "clumsy" knocking things over and also having more problems walking, have to make slow deliberate motions. Have you had a second opinion? Also, try to find a physician who specializes in ALS and related diseases. My primary care Doctor didn't have a clue, felt that I might have an inner ear problem but should have sent me to a neurologist early on. I consider myself lucky to have found a neurologist who worked in the Boston area either doing research or diagnosing ALS patients. Now ready to seek out second opinion. In addition, would suggest you do as much online research as possible. Perhaps you might have another type of problem or symptoms of loss of motor neurons hasn't become detectable yet.
Good Luck, Gary.

[pinuccio]

I don't have any problems walking or running yet. My main problem is weakness in my hands and voice and speech problems. I had an EMG, that's when I was told that I had ALS.

Still don't know much about ALS as was only diagnosed a few weeks ago. As I understand the symptoms vary from person to person. Are you having trouble walking, balance, leg and or arm movements, think that is indicative of motor neurons dieing off. I started having balance issues almost a year ago and condition continued to deteriorate. Have always enjoyed hiking in mountains here in Washington state but one day my vertigo got to the point where I fell twice coming down the mountain, was concerned that I might not be able to get down by myself. Also, lately have become "clumsy" knocking things over and also having more problems walking, have to make slow deliberate motions. Have you had a second opinion? Also, try to find a physician who specializes in ALS and related diseases. My primary care Doctor didn't have a clue, felt that I might have an inner ear problem but should have sent me to a neurologist early on. I consider myself lucky to have found a neurologist who worked in the Boston area either doing research or diagnosing ALS patients. Now ready to seek out second opinion. In addition, would suggest you do as much online research as possible. Perhaps you might have another type of problem or symptoms of loss of motor neurons hasn't become detectable yet.
Good Luck, Gary.

[ggaryrun]

Actually my first indications of problems were also voice/speech problems that I felt were related to something else. Sometimes the words wouldn't come out right, would "lose" my voice at times and would have to repeat myself several times to be understood. At times I would have to stop talking as voice became quite hoarse. These symptoms preceded the motor function problems by at least a year maybe more. I have heard some good news, ALS research for a cure is getting close, they are finishing the human testing and feel that they will be creating the drug early next year. Put "als disease" in your search engine and look at some of the sites. Would still recommend a second opinion!
Good Luck my Friend!