1. Is ALS Visible to Neurologists? 2. Twitching for Over a Year

[BoneDog]

hello all.

1. there seems to be a generally held view on the site that 'a good neurologist can spot an als as soon as he walks into a room'. Can it really be that obvious? What if the patient only had a slight weakness in the hand for instance, Surely this couldn't be detected by sight?

2. I'm surprised at how many folks declare that they've twitched for 12 months plus and still are concerned about als. Surely by this type of time it would be wholy apparent if the disease was going to manifest or not?

Best wishes to you all and a happy new year.

 

[Alonzo]

I believe that when they say "walk in the door" they mean after and neurological exam. They check your strength, especially in the areas about which you complain. And they test all your reflexes and they look for other signs like Babinski. So I guess they should say that a good neurologist can tell ALS when you walk out the door.

The problem is - we here with BFS have a hard time believing the people who study these things all their lives.