Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) : Tests

A neuromuscular exam indicates weakness, often beginning in one area (such as shoulders or hips. There may be muscle tremors, spasms, twitching, or muscle atrophy (loss of tissue. Atrophy and twitching of the tongue are common. The person's walk m...

The diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease begins with a complete medical history and physical exam, plus a neurological exam to determine the distribution and extent of weakness. An electrical test of muscle function, called an electromyogram, or EMG,...

ALS is difficult to diagnose. There is no one set way to test for the disease. A series of diagnostic tests will rule out and exclude other possible causes and diseases that resemble ALS. Electro diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG) and...

ALS is difficult to diagnose. There is no one set way to test for the disease. A series of diagnostic tests will The degeneration and death of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain results in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These neurons...

The diagnosis of ALS begins with a complete medical history and physical exam, plus a neurological examination to determine the distribution and extent of weakness. An electrical test of muscle function, called an electromyogram, or EMG, is an imp...

The diagnosis of ALS begins with a complete medical history and physical exam, plus a neurological examination to determine the distribution and extent of weakness. An electrical test of muscle function, called an electromyogram, or EMG, is an imp...

A cranial CT scan is computed tomography of the head, including the skull, brain, orbits (eye sockets), and sinuses.

Head injury is an injury to the scalp, skull, or brain. The most important consequence of head trauma is traumatic brain injury.

Injury to the head may damage the scalp, skull or brain. The most important consequence of head trauma is traumatic brain injury.

Computed tomography (also known as CT, CT scan, CAT, or computerized axial tomography) scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of anatomical structures. With the development of modern computers, the scans enhanced digital capabilities allowed the development of computed tomography imaging (derived from the Greek tomos , meaning " to slice " ).

CT imaging equipment includes conventional, spiral, multi-slice, and electron-beam computed tomography full-body scanners, which use x rays to acquire cross-sectional images and computer workstations to reconstruct acquired image data for display on a viewing monitor or printed on film. Also referred to as computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanning equipment.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross- sectional views of body organs and tissues.

Injury to the head may damage the scalp, skull , or brain . The most important consequence of head injury is traumatic brain injury.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross-sectional views of body organs and tissues.

Electromyography is a test that assesses the health of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles.

Electromyography (EMG) is an electrical recording of muscle activity that aids in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease. Purpose Muscles are stimulated by signals from nerve cells called motor neurons.

EMG and NCS TestsElectromyography(EMG)and nerve conduction studies(NCS)are tests that measure muscle and nerve function. In most cases, both tests are performed.

Electromyography (EMG) is used to detect, process, and record electrical muscle activity in order to aid in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease. Purpose EMG is performed most often to help diagnose different neuromuscular diseases causing weakness.

Electromyography (EMG) is an electrical recording of muscle activity that aids in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, which affects muscle and peripheral nerves. Purpose Muscles are stimulated by signals from nerve cells called motor neurons.

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body) Palpation (feeling the body with hands) Auscultation (listening to sounds) Percussion (producing sounds)

An MRI of the head is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct clear, detailed pictures of brain tissues. Unlike conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT), which make use of potentially harmful x-rays passing through a patient to generate images, MRI imaging is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the Earth's. A very small percentage of hydrogen atoms within the body will align with this field. The "nuclear" in the original name (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging) -- now seldom used -- refers to the proton in the nucleus of the hydrogen atom and does not imply radioactivity. When focused short radio wave pulses are broadcast towards the aligned hydrogen atoms in tissues of interest, they will return a signal of their own. The subtle differences in that signal from dissimilar tissues enables the MRI to differentiate between various organs, and potentially, provide contrast between benign and malignant (cancerous) tissue. Any imaging plane, or slice, can be projected, and then stored in a computer or printed on film. MRI is easily performed through clothing and bones. However, certain types of metal in or around the area of interest can cause significant errors in the reconstructed images. These errors are called artifacts.

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed